Surge in business as shoppers return

CITY centre businesses have hailed a surge in footfall since restrictions were lifted, with 30,000 more shoppers flooding to stores than the previous week.

According to figures collated by the city council, 68,213 people went to the city centre in the week beginning Monday June 29, which follows 40,489 the previous week.

Alison Strachan, owner of gift shop Maisie and Mac, said sales figures for their opening week were better than expected and most customers have been happy to adhere to social distancing measures put in place.

“Although we aren’t back to our normal opening hours, it has been a great week and a half,” Alison said.

“We have been steady and, although we are not back to our pre-Covid 19 figures, sales were much better than expected which has made us feel more confident about our future.

“We have found people who were loyal customers before have been enthusiastic about coming back.”

Clothing stores have also experienced a positive reaction.

Faheem Tharmahomed, of Arkive, said: “It feels absolutely fantastic. It’s great to get back to everyday routine and some sort of normality.

“Also just seeing some old and new faces and interacting with different people makes the past three months seem like a distant memory.

“The store hasn’t been really busy with regards to the numbers actually coming in. However, the ones who are coming in are spending a little more than usual. Opening day was busy and sales have been steady ever since.

“We have been considerably affected by the closure, losing about a third of our annual turnover, and it will probably take us 12 to 18 months to get back to pre-lockdown.”

Forrest Rosscraig, owner of Manifesto, said the shop had experienced similar trade, with reduced footfall but more money spent by customers.He said: “Business has been good and although footfall is down most of the people who have come in have bought something.

“Everyone seems to be adhering to social distancing and we are fortunate to have plenty space and a natural one-way system. It’s great to be up and running again.”

The boost has been welcomed by city development convener, Councillor Alan Ross, who is encouraging people to stay safe while they support local businesses.

He said: “I am encouraged by these early figures which show that people are keen to return to our city centre.

“While I want to see a kickstart to our local economy, I cannot stress highly enough that we all need to stay safe and look after each other.

“I know that our retail and hospitality businesses are raring to go and the council will continue to work with them as we emerge from lockdown.”

Shoppers are returning to the city centre.