Talking Retail Grocery and product news for independent retailers
Bira chief executive, Andrew Goodacre, said: “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.”
He added: “The second lockdown has had a terrible impact on independent retail – potentially more than than the first one because it is such an important time on the retail calendar.”
Goodacre said that independent retailers need further support to survive this challenging period. “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.
“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 no need to close shops even if there is a third lockdown.”
Federation of Small Businesses national chair, Mike Cherry, agreed: “It is important the threat of suspending Sunday Trading laws is also parked, which would take trade away from small businesses to large supermarkets that have already benefited from the November lockdown of their competition.
“For many small businesses the next few weeks should be the busiest period of the entire year, but city centres, towns and high streets have seen footfall collapse, and it’s vital that there is a clear path for recovery. So that’s why for whichever tier a small business is placed under, the government should match this with a strong, proportionate level of support.”
BRC chief executive, Helen Dickinson, added: “Shops – from high streets to retail parks – play an integral role in the run-up to Christmas. While retailers have stepped up their online delivery over the course of 2020, the bulk of Christmas shopping tends to be done in store.
“The government’s decision to keep all of retail open will help to preserve jobs and the economy and help keep Christmas a festive occasion for everyone.”
Meanwhile, Usdaw has called on consumers to follow the rules and respect shopworkers. Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, said: “This is good news in terms of helping to safeguard jobs, but the virus is still out there, so we expect employers to maintain necessary safety measures and call on customers to follow the rules and respect staff.
“Regrettably throughout this appalling pandemic instances of abuse towards shopworkers doubled and we know from previous years that the pre-Christmas shopping period can be worse; when shops are busier, customers can be stressed and things can boil over. Abuse is not a part of the job of shopworkers.”
