High Street gearing up for return of shoppers
Retailers back in business on June 29 But indoor malls must remain closed
SHOPPERS will finally be welcomed back to Scotland’s high streets from the end of this month.
Most non-essential shops of all sizes will be able to reopen their doors on June 29.
It means some of the biggest names in retail can finally get back in business north of the Border after they were allowed to resume trade in England from the start of this week.
But only shops which can be entered directly from the street may reopen, meaning indoor units within shopping centres remain closed.
Smaller shops such as book shops and antique traders need to wait a little longer than they initially expected.
Announcing the move, Nicola Sturgeon said: ‘The retail sector is a vital part of our economy. It is also a large and complex sector and we want to support it to get back to work safely.
‘We said in the routemap that we hoped to allow small shops to reopen in phase two, and we will. But by waiting a bit longer, until midway through this phase, we can go a bit further, though still with some limitations.
‘So from June 29, retail premises of all sizes can reopen, but only if they have outdoor entrances and exits. I am afraid that indoor shopping centres will remain closed, except for access to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacists.
‘However, indoor shopping centres should prepare to reopen in phase three as indicated in the routemap.’
Retailers have been advised to prepare street systems to manage queues, pedestrians and
‘Significant milestone providing clarity’
cyclists and to ensure ‘unnecessary’ signs and other ‘street furniture’ are removed.
They have also been told to ensure that appropriate physical distancing and hygiene measures are in place.
Miss Sturgeon said: ‘When shops do reopen, I ask everyone to exercise patience, stick to the measures in place for your safety, and at all times respect retail staff who will be asking you to shop in a different way.’
David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: ‘Retailers have been eagerly awaiting a firm date for the reopening of shops that they can work towards. The First Minister’s announcement is a significant milestone, providing much-needed clarity.
‘It is welcome that Government has listened to our representations and that larger shops will be able to reopen sooner than anticipated. We look forward in due course to learning of the indicative date for the reopening of non-essential outlets in shopping centres and malls.
‘Safety is the fundamental concern for all retailers and they have been working hard to implement the necessary social distancing and hygiene measures to operate safely over the past weeks.
‘This a welcome vote of confidence in that effort and preparation. Now that we know which shops can open and when, retailers can begin communicating their plans with their workforces and customers.
‘The First Minister’s call for shoppers to be considerate and respectful of shop staff is helpful. Customers will see differences to their usual shopping routine. Shoppers should be prepared for different store layouts, one-way aisles, plexiglass screens and queuing, similar to those measures seen in pharmacies and other essential retailers.
‘The industry stands ready to play its part in getting the economy moving again. However, it is crucial there is a clear plan so shoppers can travel to and through town and city centres.’
Colin Borland, director of the devolved nations at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: ‘Independent retailers will welcome the news that they’ve been given a date on which they’ll be able to reopen. We’d urge people to back these local bookshops, corner shops and boutiques because they need your spending power like never before.
‘However, some shopkeepers will be disappointed that this reopening is more than a week away, when many were primed for Monday. And those that operate restaurants, pubs and cafes will be bitterly disappointed that they’re waiting at least another fortnight.
‘We understand the need to exercise caution. But the Scottish Government must provide sharper detail for businesses about the reopening programme. Some businesses will have wasted some of their precious reserves preparing to open their doors in the next few days, when actually they won’t be open for weeks.’
Dr Liz Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: ‘Many retailers will have some relief to have a clearer idea of when they can reopen and what they will need to do to prepare for this while construction firms can start working again. It will be a relief for many employers and will help to save jobs.
‘We need to move decisively and listen to the needs of employers as well as scientific advisers if we are to avoid permanent, longterm economic collapse.’