Best wishes from NR to all non-essential retailers re-opening today

Neighbourhood Retailer sends its best wishes all non-essential retailers re-opening today. It’s been a long hard time for many small, independent retailerss who didn’t fall into the “essential” bracket.

While most of our readers remained open, the news from Economy Minister Diane Dodds that the £140million voucher scheme will mean every adult in Northern Ireland will receive £100 in the high street stimulus scheme – to be launched late-summer – is to be welcomed.

Diane Dodds said everyone aged 18-plus could apply for a card worth £100 to spend on their high street.

The only restrictions are that it must be spent in bricks and mortar shops here and cannot be spent on betting.

The minister also gave details of the Holiday at Home scheme, designed to give a boost to hotels and tourism in the autumn

Torrid year

Angela McGowan, CBI Northern Ireland Director, said:

“The staged reopening of some of Northern Ireland’s hardest-hit sectors comes as a huge relief to owners that have endured a torrid year of lockdown restrictions. Hospitality, leisure and non-essential retail firms will be looking to the weeks ahead with cautious optimism.

“However, we remain some way off before we turn the page on the pandemic. It’s crucial firms are supplied with clear guidance from the Executive which enables them to operate in a safe and profitable way, based on local health data.

“Government support has provided a lifeline during an unprecedented twelve months.  But with firms still low on cash, confidence and demand, additional help from the Executive will be needed. Further financial support could offer flexibility and help cushion firms during a precarious restart phase where jobs and livelihoods remain in the balance.

“A big effort is needed from both the NI Executive and the UK Government over the summer to support business and economic growth.”