It has been announced that from mid-June non-essential retail shops will be able to reopen, this is on the demand that they have put in place measures to deal with customers and staff in a safe manner.

Up and down the country business owners are doing all they can to help get their livelihood back on track. Some have managed to keep going with trading online and also government support but they need shoppers to return to their physical store.

At Amici we can help give a helping on confidence, we’re able to disinfect shops, businesses, in fact anywhere that is a public space. Once work is completed you’ll receive a certificate to display which will be a welcome sight for staff and customers.

Shops Reopening – What to expect

Since Covid-19 began we’ve had to become used to going to supermarkets with restrictions in place, the 2-metre rule, a one-way system and allowing a limited amount of people in the store. Plastic screens, staff wearing gloves and often the public wearing face masks has also become a regular sight whilst shopping. 

On top of these measures there have also been new government guidelines which include: 

  • Limits on the number of shoppers – with queuing facilities or mobile apps to manage visitors.
  • One-way systems and limits on the number store entrances open to control the flow of shoppers and ensure physical distancing of 2 metres.
  • Hand sanitiser or handwashing stations at store entrances.
  • Customers encouraged to shop alone.
  • Changing rooms, toilets and cafes closed.
  • Services that require close contact, such as makeup demonstrations, manicures, personal styling or bra-fitting suspended.
  • Shoppers will be discouraged from handling products while browsing and stock that is frequently touched could be regularly replenished with fresh items.
  • Protective covers on large items such as beds or sofas that may be tested by shoppers.
  • Quarantining items that have been returned, donated, brought in for repair or extensively handled – for example shoes or clothes that have been tried on – must be put in a container or separate room for 72 hours. Alternatively, items may be cleaned before being put back on display.
  • Cleaning of rental equipment or test drive and rental vehicles after each customer use or handover.
  • Perspex screens at tills to protect staff – and some may wear masks or visors.
  • Additional car and cycle parking facilities to help discourage use of public transport.
  • Staggered opening hours on high streets and in shopping centres to help with physical distancing and reduce pressure on public transport.

These guidelines are easier for larger shops, especially ones with deeper pockets but for independents, it’s a much tougher challenge. The shops that are much smaller in size, and for clothing shops where for many years they’ve recommended that customers try something on before purchasing it…that now has to change.

The more you can put in place with giving staff and customers confidence the better, all things like this will help move your company forward. 

Currently these measures are Shops Reopening – What to expect and I’m sure there will be more guidelines for when hairdressers, pubs and restaurants look to open.

Shops Reopening – What to expect
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