Damage to ‘non-essential’ shops could be ‘irreparable’ warns expert

INDEPENDENT RETAILERS FORCED TO CLOSE DURING PEAK CHRISTMAS PERIOD WHILE BIG CHAINS CONTINUE TO SELL EVERYTHING

SHOPS in Nottinghamshire that have stayed open during the second national lockdown are continuing to sell nonessential items.

This comes despite swathes of businesses across the country being told to shut, having been deemed “non-essential” during the pandemic.

Stores such as Aldi and Wilko continue to sell items like children’s toys and Christmas gifts.

Other stores, such as supermarkets like Tesco, recently reopened “nonessential” departments for customers despite initially blocking off some sections.

Retail and business experts say the damage to small, independent traders could be “irreparable” by having the second lockdown so close to Christmas.

Nelson Blackley, an independent retail analyst in Nottingham, said: “The impact of the lockdown on ‘non-essential’ shops is particularly damaging because most of the retail sector, especially smaller independent shops, look to the few weeks before Christmas as their major selling opportunity of the year.

“Specialist toy retailers, for example, are all currently forced to remain closed, during which would otherwise be a peak sales period. Whether they might be allowed to open during December and what, if any, lost sales they are then able to recoup, is as yet completely unknown.

“If Christmas shoppers have already purchased most of their Christmas gifts online during November, the damage caused to many physical stores across the country may sadly be irreparable.”

Tesco announced on Saturday it had taken the decision to reopen mezzanine floors nationwide.

This came just a week after it blocked off upper floors to customers, saying items sold on in these departments were classed as non-essential.

Other stores like Aldi and Lidl continue to sell non-essential items in their middle aisles, while “essential” retailers like B&M and Wilko also continue to sell all items that are on the shelves.

The East Midlands Chamber, which supports businesses in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, says it would be “silly” to stop stores selling non-essential items.

However, the Chamber fears allowing them to do so will “sideline” those businesses which had to close.

Chris Hobson, director of policy and external affairs at the Chamber, said: “Many businesses invested heavily in making their premises Covid-secure following the initial lockdown, and will feel aggrieved to have been forced to close for a second time. Clearly, large chains such as supermarkets have diversified their product offering over time and it would be silly to force them to stop selling so-called ‘non-essential items’.

“But what this does highlight is how many businesses have been sidelined unnecessarily during this pandemic.

“The Government really needs to take a more targeted approach in every manner of its lockdown policy rather than the blunt instrument of shutting down huge swathes of the economy time and again.”

During Wales’ “firebreak” lockdown last month, some stores did block off non-essential aisles, such as in B&M.

However, in England this is not the case and Government guidance on the issue only states which businesses must remain open or close.

There is no guidance on which items can and cannot be sold in store.

Aldi did previously have some product restrictions in place but has eased them as it doesn’t “feel they are still necessary”.

It said it “will be selling Specialbuys as normal across England, as per the Government guidelines”.

Other stores like B&M issued statements before lockdown came into effect stating that its “warehouses are full”.

A Wilko spokesperson told the Post: “All items [are] available in-store for customers to purchase alongside essentials.”