The Government has unveiled its full list of retailers that can reopen under new guidelines, with Charity Shops, car showrooms and fashion stores given the green light to trade from June 15. However, the dates could still change if coronavirus infections fail to meet expected levels.

The experience will be a little different, with suggestions that shoppers will be urged not to try on garments instore. Mr Johnson says the reopening of stores is subject to them being “COVID-19 secure” and that they must show customers will be kept safe”.

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Stores have been advised to introduce several measures to reassure customers and staff including:

  • Storing returns for 72 hours before returning them back on the shop floor.
  • Placing a poster in store windows to demonstrate awareness of COVID-19 guidance.
  • Frequently cleaning, including payment systems, trolleys, doors, coffee machines and touch screens.
  • Protective coverings on large items touched by the public such as sofas and beds.

From the 1 June Outdoor markets and spacious car showrooms can open, as its believed the risk of catching COVID-19 is lower outside where it is generally easier to apply social distancing.

From 15 June the following stores will be allowed to open:

  • food retailers
  • chemists
  • hardware/homeware stores
  • fashion shops
  • charity shops
  • betting shops and arcades
  • tailors, dress fitters and fashion designers
  • car dealerships
  • auction houses
  • antique stores
  • retail art galleries
  • photography studios
  • gift shops and retail spaces in theatres, museums, libraries, heritage sites and tourism sites
  • mobile phone stores
  • indoor and outdoor markets
  • craft fairs
  • similar types of retail

Beauty salons, Hairdressers, nail bars, and the hospitality sector are to remain closed. It is said the risk of transmission in these environments is higher as longer periods of contact is required.