Traders pushing Executive to name date to reopen non-essential shops
William Gilliland, managing director of a clothing company with outlets in Bangor and Newtownards, was speaking after Retail NI called for Northern Ireland to follow the example set by England and allow the reopening of non-essential retail shops next month.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday that non-essential shops would be allowed to reopen on June 15 as part of the phased easing of lockdown restrictions.
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Hide AdFollowing the announcement, Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts said: “This is a welcome announcement by the prime minister, and we believe that June 15 should be the target date set by the Executive for Northern Ireland retailers on the ‘non-essential’ list to reopen in line with medical guidance.”
Mr Gilliland, speaking to the News Letter yesterday, said that while he is keen to reopen his Excel clothing shops, issues remain about staffing and social distancing.
“Here’s the thing – when all the local shops open up, where’s everyone going to queue?
“Queues are going to be bumping into queues out onto the street, or in and around parked cars? I’ve asked a couple of MLAs about that but I’ve yet to get an answer.
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Hide Ad“The onus is on us to sort it out, to pay for it, but of course if we get it wrong I am sure we will get our knuckles rapped by government.”
He continued: “We obviously want to start back up but it is going to be difficult with the furlough situation – we can’t bring someone in from furlough for only part of the time.
“And we don’t know how everything is going to pan out in terms of how many people are going to turn up. Maybe we will see queues up and down the street but maybe people will stay away. We just don’t know yet.”
Mr Roberts added: “If the Executive give them the green light, retailers who are currently on the ‘closed’ list can consult and train staff, produce a social distancing plan and retrofit their stores to ensure the safety of shoppers and shop staff by June 15.
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Hide Ad“The NI Executive also needs to begin work on a wider reopening plan for our town and city centres, which will ensure the right health and safety guidance for retailers, key businesses in town centres, their employees and also consumers.
“It is vital that we create confidence in shoppers that our high streets will be safe.”
The Belfast Chamber of Commerce and the Ballymena Chamber of Commerce have also urged the Executive to reopen town centres as soon as possible.
Belfast Chamber chief executive Simon Hamilton said: “The announcement by the prime minister that non-essential retail in England can reopen from June 15 is something that the NI Executive should replicate immediately.”
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Hide AdBallymena chamber vice president Eugene Reid said: “We are anxious that businesses can reopen and begin trading at the earliest opportunity. However that decision can only be made when it is safe.”
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