Bira has expressed ‘delight’ non-essential retail can reopen in England from Thursday 3 December. The comments follow Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s statement to the House of Commons on 23 November.

Following the second lockdown in England, all non-essential retail was forced to shut from 5 November until 2 December, inclusive.

Commenting is Bira’s CEO, Andrew Goodacre. “We are delighted that shops can re-open from 3 December and are also unaffected by the new tier system.

“We are receiving more notice than we thought as we actually expected confirmation on Thursday. Retailers will be ready and we hope that the town centres and local authorities will also have prepared to accommodate shoppers.

“Many have been trying to do business online and via click and collect. December will be all about selling Christmas goods, and retailers will have to work hard and be creative to attract shoppers.

Goodacre also highlights indies need further support to survive this challenging time.

“The second lockdown has had a terrible impact on independent retail. Potentially more than the first one, because it is such an important time on the retail calendar.

“Research tells us that 20% of indies did not re-open in the summer after the first lockdown, so we will not see the full impact of this until January or February. But it could be the same again.

“Cash is running out and more grants will be needed in January. We need clarity on business rates and the decision to extend the rates holiday for non-essential businesses.

Goodacre concludes; “We need funds and expertise to help indie retailers to continue their transition to a stronger digital footprint. We also need to realise that shopping is safe and there is no need to close shops even if there is a third lockdown.”

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