Mobility retailer shows how to operate a small retail space while remaining COVID-19 Secure
Coastal retailer People First Mobility has turned to the power of video to showcase how it is able to operate a COVID-19 Secure shop despite its confined retail space.
It comes as all non-essential retailers across England got the go-ahead to reopen their doors to the public after a three-month lockdown hiatus on the 15th June.
Before reopening, however, retailers were informed that they must ensure their premises are COVID-19 Secure to limit the risk of coronavirus.
In response, companies have taken a range of steps to become secure, including one-way shopping systems, strict two-metre social distancing policies and more.
For those with larger retailer spaces, introducing such measures is relatively easier compared to those with smaller retail spaces, however, Skegness-based People First Mobility has shown that with a bit of creative thinking, smaller stores can still trade whilst keeping customers and staff safe.
Without the space to maintain the two-metre distance inside, the mobility firm has created a new customer service station to the front of the store near its doors where staff can serve customers. In addition, it has used coverings on any of its scooters outdoors and introduced a plastic screen.
Posting a video to demonstrate the steps it has taken to become COVID-19 Secure, the independent retailer has informed its customers what to expect when they arrive at the store.
Speaking with Karen Sheppard, Managing Director of People First Mobility, on the shop’s reopening day, she explained that business had been promising.
“We have been really busy and people have understood the social distancing and sanitising. The majority also understood the need to limit customers,” she said.
Earlier on in the lockdown, Karen had detailed the situation for retailers on the coast, impacted by the closure of retail impacting local customers, as well as the closure of the hospitality sector which many seaside businesses rely on, particularly during the summer.
“We rely on tourists in the summer season for a boost to our turnover, however, the caravan sites and entertainment facilities are not opening for at least a month after we are allowed to,” detailed Karen in back in May.
With the prime minister expected to announce the reopening date for segments of the leisure and hospitality sector today, the move could present another glimmer of hope for those retailers still recovering on the coast.
Watch the People First Mobility video below:
