The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Julie Young behind her PPE screen at Motor Fits in Leven as the Fife town adjusts to the new normal with Scotland emerging from lockdown. Picture: Mhairi Edwards.
Businesses and shops working flat out to welcome back visitors and customers
Fife Council and local businesses have been working flat out to safely welcome back visitors to the region’s town centres.
Signage and markings to help queuing and physical distancing on footpaths and precincts are already up, with signs erected in Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline and Leven.
Businesses in the latter are among those which have returned in very different ways, as reduced capacity, queuing systems and the use of outdoor space all become a part of the “new normal”.
A sign of a return to something familiar came on Saturday, when Leven played host to a summer market which proved hugely popular with visitors.
Father and daughter team Eddie and Julie Young, who have been running Motor Fits on Commercial Road for more than 22 years, have made changes to the shop as they welcome back customers.
New protective screens, hand sanitisers and physical distancing reminders are in place.
Eddie said: “We have introduced a one in, one out, personal shopping experience approach for now, which customers seem to enjoy. Customers get our undivided attention and we can offer advice, giving them confidence to find exactly what car parts and accessories they need, hassle free.
“We are also at the end of the phone, so customers can call us and check our stock before their journey.”
Pamela Hamilton, who manages ladies clothing and accessories store Boutique No.1 on Durie Street, has put in place protective screens, distance markers and a hand sanitising station.
“It’s amazing to see people back in store again and we are enjoying helping them find that special item, or even a complete new wardrobe, as a treat after weeks in lockdown,” she added.
“We’re also helping customers who want to support local by home shopping. By using our Facebook page, customers can message us and we will send out items directly to them.”
“It’s amazing to see people back in store again and we are enjoying helping them find that special item.
PAMELA HAMILTON, BOUTIQUE NO.1
Owners Jordan Malcolm and Steven Morris at Cupcake Coffee Box have also been welcoming back customers.
Jordan said: “We have closely followed the Scottish Government’s guidelines and have put in place all the measures recommended for cafés, with inside and outside eating areas.
“Things may look slightly different, for example, with screens in place but our quality food and drinks are the same.
“The local community has been great in supporting local businesses and helping to secure jobs in the area by using our takeaway or table service.”
Leven Environment Group has been out in force, ensuring the 86 hanging baskets and 90 tubs in the town centre are flowering and offering a colourful welcome to everyone as they return.
Councillor Altany Craik, convener of Fife Council’s economy, tourism, strategic planning and transportation committee, said he was delighted to see businesses safely reopening.