What to expect when shops reopen
During June it has been announced that non-essential shops will be able to reopen, some light relief for business owners around England. However, this is when the real task begins, just because you've opened the doors customers first need to actually want to visit and secondly have the confidence that you've done as much as you can to safe guard them.
What to expect when shops reopen
We've 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. Staff wearing gloves and often the public wearing face masks has also become a regular sight whilst shopping too.
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 easy for larger shops to implement, especially with deeper pockets but for independents it's a much tougher ask. 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 way we've been shopping for many years has to change and the independent shops that move with this will be the ones that survive. Having an e-commerce site to work alongside your bricks and mortar store has never been more important. It is no surprise that online sales have increased massively and you can't afford to miss out on this.
The more you can put in place with giving staff and customers confidence the better, hiring a disinfectant company such as Amici Sanitise who once they completed the work leave you with a certificate to display. All things like this will help move your company forward.
Currently these measures are what to expect when shops reopen and I'm sure there will be more guidelines for when hairdressers, pubs and restaurants look to open.
