It’s been 12 weeks since BoJo – aka Boris Johnson- essentially closed the UK. Shops were boarded up, restaurants closed their doors (yes Nando’s, we are looking at you) and late-night Netflix binge sessions became our only form of socialising. We’ve had a whirlwind of banana bread making, Tiktok watching and Chloe Ting sweatin’; however, the much-awaited time has finally arrived for things to start going back to normal.
From the 15th of June, the green light has been given for all non-essential shops to welcome their customers again. Hi Topshop, we’ve missed you. But what exactly does ‘non-essential’ mean and what will shopping look like from next week?
Well to start with, the non-essential stores include:
Food retailers
Chemists
Fashion shops
Tailors, dress fitters and fashion designers
Car dealerships
Photography studios
Mobile phone stores
Craft fairs
Food retailers
Chemists
Fashion shops
Tailors, dress fitters and fashion designers
Car dealerships
Photography studios
Mobile phone stores
Craft fairs
For the whole shebang, check out the full list here.
Whilst it’s good news for the high street that business can start up again, the government have set out a few ground rules, so you can happily spend your dosh while keeping yourself and others safe.
Now, what’s going to change?
Well, by now we have all become pro’s at social distancing, so don’t worry, things won’t be too different in that department. We all know that two metres is the magic number when it comes to keeping your space. But on top of that, employees will have staggered shifts, there will be a one-way system marked on the floor and many hand sanitizer stations throughout the store. Plus, additional parking. Get in!
And if you hadn’t guessed already, much like your weekly Tesco trips, only a limited number of people will be allowed in the store at one time. Which, when you think about it, is pretty damn ideal. It’s safe and means no one can crowd you to grab the last pair of shoes in your size. Best of both worlds, really.
You may be thinking, what about clothing stores? I mean put your hand up if you love to mindlessly rub your hands up and down swede jackets and fluffy coats, without any intention of buying them. Because we do! Well, say goodbye to those days for now. You’ll be encouraged to touch as little products as possible *cry* and will need to try on clothes at home. Which means, it’s time for those at home catwalks again.
So, while post-pandemic shopping won’t all be the same for quite some time, you’ve got to think of the positives in every situation. 1. You can enjoy your shopping experience in safety, and 2. less people in the store = a shorter queuing time. We don’t know about you, but we can’t wait for the shopping sprees to begin again. Just remember, bring your mask and gloves!
Words by Grace Dembowicz
Graphics by Katie Janes
, , , , ,
