SHOPS BACK OPEN FOR BUSINESS

THE majority of retailers in Wicklow town re-opened on Monday for the first time in over two months.

The main priority for all businesses is safety for staff and customers. They’ve all put the recommended social distancing and sanitising recommendations in place.

Some shops re-opened for the whole day, while others closed up after lunch.

Hopkins Toymaster on Main Street had been operating a ‘click and collect service’ prior to the lifting of restrictions which allowed retail units to open again.

Rosemary Martin of Hopkins Toymaster said: ‘Re-opening went very well. Customers were very supportive and were grateful that we re-opened. Everyone practised social distancing and the customers were very understanding. We had a steady flow of customers throughout the day. We expect to get busier in the coming days.’

Michael Connolly of Sean Connolly Menswear was delighted to meet up with customers face-to-face again.

He said: ‘It was a good day and we were busy on the Monday. We had a very steady flow of customers. To be honest, it is just great to be back open again and meet up with customers again after being closed for so long.

Grace Murray of Ebony Boutique said: ‘We were really busy on Monday. We had a lot of support from our customers and it has been really nice. We carried out a bit of work behind the scenes and everything is in place. Our customers have been very understanding and have been sticking to the guidelines.’

Carmel Williams with James Byrne and dad Tom of Byrne’s Gifts and Furniture.

Rosemary Martin and and Lauren Devereux of Hopkins Toymaster in Wicklow town.

Michael Connolly of Sean Connolly Menswear.

Margaret Redmond and owner Grace Murray in Ebony.

Sandra O’Brien shopping in ‘Ebony’ in Wicklow town.

Sisters Lisa and Nicola Murphy out shopping in Wicklow town.

Maria Kerr out shopping in Wicklow town after the lockdown.