Experts share insight on non-essential retail shops reopening and provide reassurance on how to shop safely

To inform the public on what to expect and showcase the new changes that have been implemented, shopping expert and TV star Gok Wan along with media doctor Dr Zoe Williams were granted early access to some stores on London’s iconic Oxford Street to find out more before they opened the doors to the public. 

Shopping centres and shops have put the wellbeing and welfare of customers and staff at the forefront of the measures being implemented to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus. There will be restrictions on the number of customers entering stores and close- contact services such as clothes fitting, and make-up are to remain suspended until further notice. In order to reduce congestion and limit contact, customers may be required to queue, follow a one-way system or enter and exit the shop differently than before.

Whilst shopping centres and shops have implemented changes, there are key behaviours the public will be expected to adopt themselves in order to reduce the risk of transmission. This includes using hand sanitiser where possible, following social distancing guidance by keeping two meters apart. Wearing face coverings is recommended especially in enclosed spaces where social distancing isn’t possible. In addition, shoppers are expected to use contactless and be prepared for a queue for each shop they want to enter. 

Shopping expert and TV Star Gok Wan commented: 

"Shopping centres and shops are going to look and feel a little different to what we are used to, and getting a sneak preview was a great way to see first-hand what shops are doing to keep their customers and staff safe. We’ve been doing it for supermarkets already, but be prepared to queue up and you may need to follow a one-way system in store, which are all designed to limit contact with other shoppers. Guidance will be different depending on what shopping centre or shop you’re going to, so it’s important to read any new signs that have been put up that will let you know what you can and can’t touch. While it’s a change to what we are used to, I am confident we will all adjust very quickly. The key thing to remember is to respect the guidelines, stick to social distancing, and be patient and as adaptable as we can be.”

Media doctor, Dr Zoe Williams commented: 

“Shops have implemented a number of measures to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus in order to protect the public and their staff. In addition to the number of changes that stores have made, it’s important that everyone planning to visit the shops does so responsibly. We must do our absolute best to keep a two-meter distance between ourselves, other shoppers and store staff. Use hand sanitiser where possible and avoid touching your face. It is recommended to wear a face covering when  social distancing isn’t possible, which you can make easily enough at home yourself. All of these things will help reduce the risk of transmission. Most importantly, if you or anyone in your household has symptoms, please do not leave the house to go shopping, as this puts others at risk and we do not want to reverse the releasing of lockdown. The shops will be there once you are better or through your isolation period. As a reminder for anyone with symptoms, you can book a test online at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. It is easy and quick to get a test. You should get your test and results in a matter of days and if negative, you can get back to the shops!”

Detailed protective measures are being implemented in shopping centres and shops to reduce the risk of transmission; some of these include:

• Limiting the number of people in stores and implementing a one-way system to limit contact
• Changing the usual exit and entry points to avoid congestion
• Inserting barriers at till points to reduce contact between staff and customers
• Encouraging contactless payment over cash transactions to minimise the risk of
• transmission
• New store signage may have been installed informing customers of what they can and cannot touch
• In most cases fitting rooms will be closed to reduce the risk of transmission.

Steve Rowe, M&S CEO commented: 

“We are set up and ready to serve our customers when retail re-opens its doors on Monday. We’ve learnt a huge amount from trading our food halls over the last 12 weeks and our teams will take that brilliant working knowledge of social distancing and hygiene measures over to the clothing sections of their stores. As one of the nation’s most trusted retailers – it’s our job to help give customers the confidence to shop – and we’ve been working round the clock to make sure everyone feels safe and welcome in our stores. Whilst things may look and feel a little different, customers can rely on the same great service they expect from M&S.”

Peter Cowgill, Executive Chairman of JD Sports, commented: 

“We look forward to welcoming our customers back to JD from Monday morning, and hope that they are just as excited as we are that our doors, and those of many other high street retailers, are once again open for business. Following 12 weeks of lockdown, we recognise the continued importance of maintaining social distancing and providing a safe environment in which to work and shop.“We have therefore taken all necessary steps and precautions to give our customers and staff the confidence that they can safely return to our stores, from carefully managing the total number of customers allowed in store at any one time, and providing hand sanitiser at each entrance and outside customer lifts and escalators, to installing protective screens at all our tills, encouraging contactless payments and the use of e-receipts, while ensuring that our tills, footwear benches and other busy areas are regularly cleaned throughout the day.”

If you or a member of the household has symptoms of coronavirus, you must not visit a shopping centre, a shop or any public space. If you or any other adult in your household shows any symptoms including a new continuous cough; a high temperature; a loss of, or change in your normal sense of taste or smell, it’s vital to stay at home and book a test to check if you have the virus as soon as you can.

You can book a test on the website: nhs.uk/coronavirus or via 119. 

For more information on how to shop safely, visit gov.uk/coronvirus