Getting back to business
Retailers are busy behind the scenes getting ready for reopening after lockdown
Excitement is building as Strath shops prepare to get back to some form of normality next week in the wake of lockdown restrictions continuing to ease.
The Scottish Government announced on Tuesday that non-essential shops, hospitality venues and close contact services were among those that could reopen from April 26.
David McCann, manager of Crieff Succeeds, said: “Crieff businesses have been working hard to get ready to reopen on the 26th, making their premises safe and welcoming for customers.
“This has been a really tough 12 months for everyone and many local shops and services went the extra mile to ensure support for the local community.”
Strath shops are hoping to get back to some form of normality as lockdown r e s t r i c tions are further relaxed.
On Tuesday this week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced significant easing of restrictions across retail, hospitality and travel.
From Monday, April 26, hospitality venues such as cafés, pubs and restaurants can reopen, along with tourist accommodation, albeit with some restrictions still in place.
Non- essential retail outlets and close contact services, such as beauty salons, can also reopen, in addition to indoor attractions and public buildings such as galleries, museums and libraries.
This week, the usual hustle and bustle in Crieff was behind closed doors as businesses prepared to open their doors again.
And local retailers were looking forward to seeing their customers face-to-face again.
It was all hands on deck at Valentine’s of Crieff in West High Street as staff readied the clothes outlet.
Owner David Agnew commented: “I think it’s fair to say it’s been a lot tougher mentally for everybody this time – I think there was a fatigue going into another lockdown and the weather was worse this time round.
“One difference was we were more prepared this time though. We could see it coming so we could plan for it.”
With regards to opening again, David added: “We know what to expect now so there is less trepidation about reopening because we have done it before.
“Customers and staff are all more comfortable with the situation now and what needs to be done but the challenges still remain as well as new challenges.”
In King Street, Top2Tails dog grooming parlour has been open for welfare grooming only.
Owner Nicola Fridge admitted it had been a tough time for businesses but hopes things will pick up now that lockdown measures are easing.
She explained: “We have had to adapt because of lockdown. We’ve expanded the business to include a shop section with natural dog treats and toys.
“I’m hoping things will pick up for all shops, not just ours, because it has been really hard going.”
Further down the street, MoKa Artisan Gallery is reopening on Tuesday next week.
Owner Kathleen Kelson said: “We launched MoKa Artisan Gallery and Pottery in early December only to have it shut after Christmas for the lockdown, so we were concerned that it would appear we were just a pop-up shop for the festive season.
“We are looking forward to re-launching our business and hoping that the return of nationwide travel will bring visitors from all over the country and help with the economic recovery of all businesses in Crieff, as well as our own.”
She continued: “We have taken advantage of the lockdown to add some new display furniture, rearrange our displays and work on getting our classroom space ready for multi-craft workshops and classes happening later in the summer.”
Hairdressers opened their doors on April 5 and new business Fair Hair – which is next door to MoKa Artisan Gallery and Pottery – has been inundated with enquiries for appointments.
Owner Lauren Fairweather said: “It’s been really good so far. The phone has been ringing non-stop with people looking for appointments.”
Sister Jules will also be opening a beauty treatment room within the salon later in the summer and is looking forward to meeting new customers.
And local cafes will be rolling out the welcome mat on Monday.
In addition to social distancing and hygiene measures, this time round all those dining in will have to give their names rather than just one person in the group, which was the rule previously.
Paul Attewell of The Red Squirrel Cafe in East High Street said he was looking forward to seeing customers again.
“It’s a sign of normality,” he remarked, “although we don’t quite know what to expect.
“We are assuming that people are as desperate to come out and visit businesses as we are to see them.
“It has been harder this lockdown although it’s been
a similar length to the first one. ”
And the charity shops can also begin benefiting again from the same milestone date next week.
Steph Florence, manager of the Strath capital’s Cancer Research UK shop, said: “We are really excited to be opening again and are looking forward to it. We have missed the customers and the volunteers.
“We are accepting donations but on a limited basis so it would be best if people phone us first because if we don’t have space we can’t take items. The number is 01764 655 421.
“We are going to be open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm. We are not open on a Sunday but hope to be eventually.”
If anyone wants to find out about volunteering at the shop they can also get in touch on the same number.
Catriona Glen, proprietor of Child After Child in the High Street, has used her time in lockdown to work on the online side of her business to keep things going.
Her shop of new and gently used children’s items also raises money for Cash for Kids, and despite the restrictions she has still managed to donate £250 this year already.
She explained: “I’ve managed to keep the Crieff shop going with online ordering, and I’ve spent months photographing every single thing in the shop so that people can still shop online. They can either collect from the doorstep or I can mail things out.”
David McCann, manager of Crieff Succeeds – the organisation that supports local businesses – said there was light at the end of the tunnel and he’s hoping locals will continue to support of businesses on their doorstep.
He told the Herald: “Crieff businesses have been working hard to get ready to reopen on the 26th, making their premises safe and welcoming for customers.
“This has been a really tough 12 months for everyone and many local shops and services went the extra mile to ensure support for the local community, introducing click and collect and new delivery services for instance.
“I think people recognise this and also the true value of quality and service right here on their doorstep.
“There is a real feeling of wanting to support and to shop local and I think we will see this in the coming weeks and months.”