COVID RUSH AT THE SHOPS
Stores packed as second lockdown looms
Swarms of Christmas shoppers raced to the high street yesterday in a desperate dash for presents ahead of a looming second coronavirus lockdown.
Glasgow’s city centre and indoor and outdoor shopping malls were heaving with customers determined to stock up on festive items in preparation of the expected closure of all non-essential shops.
Panicked consumers were queued outside retail shops such as Primark and TK Maxx after areas serviced by Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Lanarkshire health boards were warned they may be placed under Level 4 rules – the highest tier of Covid restrictions – by the end of the week.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney announced on Friday that the move – which would see the closure of all non-essential shops, hospitality and gyms – was under consideration.
Emergency service workers were briefed by their managers about the potential clampdown after Swinney’s warning.
A spokesman for intu Braehead shopping centre in Renfrewshire said: “Footfall has held up very well during the past few months and this weekend continues to see customers do their Christmas shopping.
“We await the Scottish Government making an announcement next week about whether Renfrewshire moves to Level 4 and will make the necessary plans accordingly if that takes place.”
Large crowds also headed to Glasgow’s Buchanan Street – part of the city’s Style Mile – to make purchases before the announcement, which is expected to be made by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Tuesday.
Hairdressers and beauty salons also revealed clients have been scrambling to book last-minute treatments before a potential second temporary closure.
The owner of Ray’s Barbershop in Glasgow’s Shawlands said there had been a 40 per cent surge in the past few days in customers wanting a trim.
Raymond Simons added: “We’ve had people who aren’t due a haircut for another few weeks booking in, saying they’re getting a haircut just in case of another lockdown. People are definitely expecting it.”
Eirinn Fleming, of Alchemy Creative Collective in the city centre, also said clients have booked in earlier than normal.
She added: “A lot have brought their appointments forward in case we go into lockdown.
“They’re moving their bookings from weeks ahead to the next few days. We’ve opened extra hours to make sure everyone can have appointments.”
Amy Walker, manager of the Love Those Lashes chain, said staff have more than 100 appointments over the next few days – a 30 per cent increase.
She said: “We’re running at about 100 per cent capacity.
“If clients are trying to book in with us before lockdown then they’re going to struggle because we’re so busy.”