Back to the shops
THOUSANDS hit the shops in Newcastle yesterday as the high street came back to life for the first time since March.
After a relatively quiet start to the day, Northumberland Street looked much like how you remember it – though with a twist.
A one-way system is in place and wardens are stationed at various points to make sure people are sticking to the social-distancing guidelines.
Once inside, shoppers need to follow revised layouts and wash their hands on the way in. Most changing rooms are closed too, all of which serve as a reminder these are not normal times.
It seems, however, like the retail boost to the economy the Government is dying to see could be on its way. Last week the Treasury confirmed the UK economy slumped by a historic 20.4% in April, the worst nosedive on record.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited a shopping centre over the weekend, a clear signal the Government sees retail as key to getting the economy back on its feet. Some outlets had hundreds of shoppers waiting to go in, particularly Fenwick, Primark and Sports Direct, which was holding a one-day half-price sale for NHS staff.
After uncertainty over how much demand there would be after a traumatic few months, high street giants and independent businesses alike will have breathed a sigh of relief.
Carl Milton, store director of Fenwick, said staff have been putting plans in place since March to make it safe to reopen the iconic department store.
He said: “I am never ever surprised by the affection our customers have for us. We have had hundreds outside queuing up and welcoming us back.
“We are delighted and hopefully every customer will have a good time.”
First through the doors was Julie Siow, who waited for two hours to be let in. She was met by staff in masks and visors who applauded customers returning after a long absence.
Julie, equipped with a face covering and gloves, said: “I love Fenwick very much, it is a great store and I am just happy to be able to get some normality back into my life.”
It would seem many in the North East are also looking for a taste of normality.
While bars and restaurants remain closed, the city centre felt almost bustling again – even buskers were back on the streets.
While it was big high street names drawing the crowds, yesterday marked the start of a crucial period for small businesses.
Claire Chapman is the owner of The Glamorous Owl, an independent jewellery store which offers classes and workshops in the courtyard off High Bridge.
She said: “It has been pretty tough, we have done a little bit online but the main part of our business, which is the workshops, has been closed.
“The high street is important at any time but we don’t want to be a generic country with just high street stores.
“We want little independent stores really to thrive and now in particular it is very important for that to happen.”
Just across the courtyard Ritchie Lattimore, manager of RPM
Music, said the uncertainty hanging over businesses in recent months had been ‘nerve wracking.’ A steady flow of regulars returned yesterday morning, each issued with hand sanitiser and disposable gloves before flicking through the records.
Ritchie said: “The major businesses will get the attention but for smaller businesses it really means a lot to them to miss out on that income.
“The interaction is important as well – there is a big social angle to smaller businesses. A lot of our customers come to buy records but also for a chat and they have been missing that.” Brian Smith, owner of Leaf Clothing on Pilgrim Street, believes loyal customers will help independent businesses bounce back.
He said: “We are waiting to see what this next phase of our life is going to be like.
“It is just a case of being cautious and making sure everybody does what they are supposed to do and are keeping their distance.
“We are going to need support, not just us but everyone, because we have never experienced anything like this.”