Originally written by Anna Jordan on Small Business
Non-essential high street shops, department stores and shopping centres won’t be opening until June 15, according to the Prime Minister.
In his announcement last night (May 25), Boris Johnson also said that outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to open no earlier than June 1 as long as they have social distancing measures in place.
>See also: What is the average cost of fitting out my shop for coronavirus?
Non-essential outlets include:
Clothes and shoe shops
Toy shops
Furniture shops
Auction houses
Tailors
Photography studios
The Prime Minister said he was putting the retail sector “on notice”, with new safety guidance in the process of being published. This gives stores three weeks to introduce measures which will protect customers who may be feeling uneasy about shopping post-lockdown.
As with stores that have been open during lockdown, businesses will be encouraged to put up signs reinforcing social distancing rules and local authorities will be doing spot checks.
Customers will be encouraged to use hand sanitiser and to avoid touching items while they’re browsing. Fitting rooms will be shut and stores will be required to hold returned stock for 72 hours before putting it back on sale. There will also be protective coverings on items