The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is calling for the Government to make a clear exit plan out of lockdown for the sector. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to outline his ‘road map’ to recovery from national lockdown conditions on Monday 22 February 2021.

As part of the strategy, Bira is calling for a clear plan for independent retailers; many of which, as ‘non-essential’ retailers, have been closed for two-thirds of the last year.

Bira’s CEO Andrew Goodacre says independent retailers are ready to open as soon as permitted.

“Independent retailers do not need much notice to reopen,” he says. “All of the safety protocols are in place with regards to protective screening, hand sanitising and social distancing signage. Furthermore, there is still a lack of evidence that suggests small shops contribute to spread.

“We do not believe that there is a need for a tier system this time, or differentiation between essential and non-essential shops; small shops, whatever their nature, can control the number of customers at any one time.”

Goodacre is also calling for the Government to encourage people to return to their local high street. “We’d like to see a positive national campaign to increase consumer confidence in terms of safety,” he continues. Retail continues to be – and always has been – a safe place.”

Bira would also like to see all barriers to shopping removed. This includes temporary road closures, unnecessary one-way systems, and the need to quarantine returned goods.

Boris Johnson is due to outline the exit plan from national lockdown conditions on 22 February 2021. For further information on Bira, please click here.