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.

Following 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.

“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.

“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.”

Ballymena 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.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Irish and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Thank you,

Alistair Bushe

Editor