Nearly 7,000 high streets reawakened on Monday as non-essential retail were allowed as part of the government’s plan to gradually and safely reopen the economy. Non-essential retail employs 1.3 million people and provides £46.6 bn to UK economy every year. The Chancellor Rishi Sunak visited a Waterstones in London to see some of the measures they’ve put in place to ensure they are ready to welcome customers again. They were able to reopen thanks to the ongoing efforts of people across the country to meet the Five Tests set out by the Prime Minister.
Waterstones is one of the many shops reopened their doors again and followed the Covid-19 secure guidelines, such as limiting the number of customers allowed inside and frequently cleaning objects and surfaces. Waterstones have installed sneeze guards and sanitiser stations, and browsed books will be removed and quarantined.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “From Monday, shops selling books, clothes, and electronics are able to open for business for the first time in more than two months, as part of our plan to gradually and safely reopen the economy. There are nearly 7,000 high streets across the country, each providing a valuable service to their community. They will be vital in helping kickstart the economy as we recover from the virus.” The retail sector employs more people than any other sector in the UK and more than 10 million people live within 200 metres of a high street.
The stores have been closed since March 23 when Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed a lockdown to stem the spread of the virus. While outdoor markets and car showrooms reopened on June 1, retailers returned on Monday. It only applies to England, with stores in Scotland and Wales waiting for guidance from their devolved administrations on when they can resume trading. Non-essential stores in Northern Ireland reopened on Friday.
Getting shoppers spending again is key to Britain’s recovery after official data showed the economy shrank by a quarter over March and April. The British Retail Consortium reckons the lockdown has cost non-food stores 1.8 billion pounds a week in lost revenues.
