Ash Vij of Tru Uniforms in Manchester shares his thoughts on the second lockdown.

 

Laura Turner: How has business been since the end of lockdown 1?

Ash Vij: Business between the end of lockdown 1 up to the start of lockdown 2 has been good for us. The schools are now fully open and have been for many months.

LT: How have you prepared for lockdown 2?

AV: Our store will continue to trade but the main doors will be closed. We plan to keep our online platform open, which will give parents the chance to use the click and collect facility; we will provide online click and collect times for certain days to help the business trade. Alongside this, we will also offer home delivery.

LT: Is there anything you learned from lockdown 1 that will help you trade this time around?

AV: During the first lockdown period I used the time to create an online store, which took off really well. I’d say that our online platform was introduced at the right time and will definitely be an advantage now. It will enable us to continue uploading new stock and to give parents a choice.

LT: Do you think school uniform shops should be considered essential businesses and remain open?

AV: Yes, 100%. I feel the government hasn’t been very specific. School uniforms are essential and parents will continue to want to top up on their child’s uniform; whether that be requiring another size or replacing a lost item.