Retail reopens in NI
Advice for social distancing as non-essential retailers are given the go-ahead by the government to open.
After three months of lockdown Northern Ireland became the first region in the United Kingdom to allow all shops selling non-essential goods to reopen.
Retailers such as Primark, JD Sports, The Perfume Shop, and mobile network providers opened their doors for the first time since March to queues of eager shoppers on Friday.
As more retailers across the region prepare to serve the public this week, the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium (NIRC) and 25 retailers have come together to launch five simple steps to encourage considerate shopping.
The group is urging the public to play their part in creating a safe and enjoyable retail environment for other customers and staff by queuing considerably, maintaining social distancing, and following instructions both inside and outside shops.
Shoppers are also asked to follow all necessary hygiene measures and be respectful to shop staff enforcing the new rules.
““It has never been more important to play our part in keeping our towns and high streets vibrant. Every visit we make helps support jobs in retail, as well as throughout the supply chain,” says NIRC director, Aodhán Connolly. “Our shopping experience may be changing, but if we all follow the necessary social distancing measures and show consideration to those around us, then everyone will be better off and we can make this reopening a success”
All major food retailers have remained open during the crisis and are able to provide assistance for those only beginning to navigate the new normal.
Tarsem Dhaliwal, CEO, Iceland Foods, said: “We warmly welcome the reopening of other retailers to bring life back to the nation’s high streets, where only a few essential stores like Iceland have been able to trade for the last three months. It’s vital that customers show respect to the retail workers who will be returning to work to serve them, particularly by adhering to the social distancing and hygiene rules that have been put in place for the protection of customers and staff alike.”
To ensure shopper safety, Victoria Square Belfast has appointed a team of Brand Ambassadors to assist customers returning to the shopping centre.
Other retailers like Marks and Spencer and Debenhams have been working hard behind the scenes to install perspex screens and hand sanitising stations so that customers feel more confident shopping in-store.
““Whether colleagues or customers we’re all in this together. It’s important we look out for each other,” added Austin Cooke, retail director, Poundland.
