Retail restart: Shops in Scotland and Wales to reopen before the end of the month
After non-essential retail stores were given the go-ahead to reopen in England on Monday the 15th June and Friday 12th June in Northern Ireland, mobility retail leaders in Scotland and Wales are preparing to welcome customers to their shops soon.
Scottish retailers prepare for 29 June
Taking a more cautious approach to lockdown easements, Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon announced on the 18th June that the majority of non-essential shops in Scotland will be permitted to reopen on the 29th June.
It comes as the country implements phase two of its route map through and out of the crisis, enabling people to meet in wider groups outdoors and form extended household groups.
The retail lockdown easement will be subject to restrictions, however, preventing a number of shops from being allowed to open their doors.
Only shops with outdoor entrance and exits will be authorised to reopen whilst those in shopping centres will be required to remain closed – except for essential shops.
“From 29th June, retail premises of all sizes can re-open, but only if they have outdoor entrances and exits,” said Nicola Sturgeon.
“I am afraid for the time being, indoor shopping centres will remain closed, except for access to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacists. However, indoor shopping centres should prepare to re-open in phase three as indicated in the route map.”
Scottish retailers are advised to follow the COVID-19 Secure guidelines released by the government last month, outlining the steps companies should take to ensure safe trading whilst controlling the virus.
Following rules introduced in England on the 15th June, the first minister also announced that face coverings will be mandatory on all public transport, as well as taxis, from Monday 22nd June.
Interestingly, the Scottish government will consult over the coming days to determine whether face coverings should be made mandatory in shops as well – a decision is expected prior to the 29th of June retail relaunch date.
“Please do not wait for this – follow the strong advice now to wear face coverings in shops,” added the first minister.
In addition to a relaxation of retail restrictions, Nicola Sturgeon also confirmed a shift in policy for those shielding. From today (19th June 2020), shielded people will be able to take part in non-contact outdoor activities and meet outdoors with people from one other household in groups of no more than eight.
Wales expected to reopen next week
Unlike the other three nations of the UK, Wales still has no set date for reopening of non-essential retailers, however, first minister Mark Drakeford is expected today to give Welsh retailers the go-ahead to reopen doors from Monday 22nd June.
The news of Scotland and Wales shops reopening will come as welcome news to the mobility sector, helping to fuel a much-needed bounce back after months of extremely limited sales.
