What are non essential shops? List of stores that will be allowed to reopen from June - and if hairdressers are included
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Non-essential shops temporarily closed due to lockdown on 23 March, and many retailers have suffered as a result, with clothes shops like Warehouse and Oasis going out of business.
But what counts as a non-essential shop, and which ones will soon be reopening? Here’s what you need to know.
Which shops will be reopening in June?
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Hide AdOutdoor markets and car showrooms will reopen from 1 June, with all other non-essential retailers able to reopen in England from 15 June.
The Prime Minister said: “From 15 June, we intend to allow all other non-essential retail – ranging from department stores to small independent shops – to reopen.
“Again, this change will be contingent upon progress against the five tests and will only be permitted for those retail premises which are Covid-secure.”
Non-essential retailers include shops selling clothes, toys, furniture, shoes, books, electronics, alongside tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets.
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Hide AdHowever, hairdressers and nail salons are non included in this and are not expected to open until July at the earliest.
Although it was originally thought that hairdressers could be among the first businesses to reopen, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab revealed that they will not open in England until at least July.
Mr Raab confirmed hairdressers in England would have to wait until phase three, which would be from 4 July at the "very earliest", to be reconsidered for reopening.
Mr Raab told Sky News' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show: "From 4 July, at the earliest, we'll look at other sectors and that will include hospitality, but it will also include personal care and people like hairdressers.”
How has the lockdown impacted retail?
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Hide AdThe temporary closure of clothes stores during lockdown has had a significant impact on businesses, with clothing outlets Oasis and Warehouse closing permanently, resulting in the loss of 1,800 jobs.
Debenhams also entered into administration for the second time in a year in April, forcing some of its branches to stay shut permanently.
However, Boris Johnson said reopening shops is "contingent on progress in the fight against coronavirus", and that retailers will have to adhere to new guidelines in order to protect shoppers and workers.
What social distancing measures will be put in place?
New guidance has been published for the retail sector, which includes the measures that they should take in order to meet hygiene and social distancing standards.
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Hide AdThis includes frequently cleaning objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, including trolleys, coffee machines and self-checkouts, and placing protective coverings on large items touched by the public such as beds or sofas.
However, plans to reopen non-essential shops in June apply to England only. There’s currently no updates for Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland in regards to this.
Which shops remained open during lockdown?
Stores which were classed as ‘essential’ and have remained open during lockdown, include:
Off-licences
Supermarkets
Pharmacies
Petrol stations
Banks
Storage and distribution facilities
Post offices
Home and hardware stores
Garages
Vehicle rental services
Vets and pet shops
Laundrettes and dry cleaners
Market stalls
Market stalls which provide essential items such as food are allowed to stay open.
Newsagents
Bicycle shops
Shopping centres (if they have retail units which offer essential services, such as food or medicine, or shops on this list)