Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Panic on streets of lockdown
TOY STORY Man pushes two trolleys in Watford
SHOPS should be allowed to open 24 hours a day when the lockdown is lifted to help save the hammered high street, a retail boss said yesterday.
George Weston, chief executive of Primark owner Associated British Foods, said suspending the limits on opening times would allow shops to recoup their lost sales.
And he believes it would allow shoppers nervous about the risk of catching Covid-19 to go to stores at quiet times. His suggestion comes as the high street prepares for the closure of all non-essential stores in England for a month from tomorrow.
Mr Weston told the Mirror: “It would help all of us in the high street if we had extended trade hours through to Christmas. If the Government said, from December 2, you can trade as many hours as you like then I think consumers will have the opportunity to go whenever they like.
“With extra trading hours we can reassure people that it will not be a mad scrum.”
Primark has already revealed lockdowns here and
BEAR NECESSITY Giant stuffed teddy bear among this haul in Europe will wipe £375million off sales. Analysts warned it could cost the fashion chain £100million in lost profit.
Mr Weston said he saw the need for the lockdown but warned it would make a “desperate situation worse” for the high street. He also hinted Primark might consider a click and collect option in future.
It came as ABF profits fell by 40% to £810million for the year to September 12. The group said sales of baking flour and breakfast cereal soared, along with Indian and Chinese cook-in sauces.
CHAIN REACTION People hit the stores in Liverpool city centre on a rainy shopping day