Retailers ready to reopen
Timaru retailers will be able to open their doors again under level 2 Covid19 restrictions, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Thursday, but there will be rules to follow and changes for most.
Regulations for the return of faceto-face customer service included a need to maintain social distancing and strict hygiene rules.
Hopkinson’s Timaru gift shop and cafe co-owner Karlyn Hopkinson said they had starting using paywave to reduce contact at point of sale and planned to put up signage asking people not to touch items unless they wanted to buy them.
Hopkinson said she thought people were used to being aware of social distancing and hygiene protocols so did not expect there to be an issue.
Co-owner Michael Hopkinson said they had been busy with online customers and selling takeaway coffee
He said there was a ‘‘huge’’ difference between online sales and usual sales volume but would not be drawn on what percentage that distinction was. ‘‘I’m pleased we’ll be able to open.’’
He said they had plenty of stock and he was contemplating having an instore sale to celebrate.
Hopkinson wasn’t the only one to report a decline in sales despite being online.
Miss Timaru and Preen Clothing co-owner Sophie Preen said local customers had been very supportive but there was no comparison with being physically open and she was looking forward to seeing customers again in person.
‘‘It’s not like when the doors are open. It will be great ... We really need the doors open.’’
Unperturbed by social distancing and hygiene regulations, Preen said it would be good to welcome locals back in the store safely.
The businesses offered online click and collect transactions throughout the pandemic and virtual shopping meetings.
‘‘Customers book sessions and look around the shop (virtually).’’
Preen said they also offered sessions so customers could see the fit of clothing and receive fashion advice.
‘‘It’s a total different way of working. We’ve been pushed to do new things.’’
All staff from both stores had been retained and were working with hygiene protocols while social distancing.
Camerons Clothing director Wendy Collings said online shopping had been steady but she was looking forward to seeing customers again.
The company had a full e-commerce website for shoppers to research and order what they wanted.
Collings said customers also rang up to explain what they wanted.
Minimal staff were working in store at shortened hours while some were still in isolation at home, she said.
Though the supply chain had been disrupted by Covid-19 she said suppliers had resumed working at level 3 and she expected the merchandise would start flowing in the next few weeks.
South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce chief executive Wendy Smith said for a lot of business owners, who had been in the depths of despair during lockdown, reopening would be ‘‘absolutely marvellous’’.
The Chamber’s website provided information on guidelines for business owners for level 3 which captured information on level 2 as well, she said. A resource pack which was available included information on contact tracing and advice for dealing with employees returning to work.
‘‘They will be able to operate at the new normal but have to comply and should have Covid-19 plans in place.’’
She warned the Government and Worksafe would be checking on compliance.