High street businesses will face a struggle for survival due to the second national lockdown with support from shoppers vital, says the chief executive of Plymouth City Centre company.
Steve Hughes stressed that even though some retail and hospitality businesses would attempt to continue trading, “pivoting” their businesses towards providing deliveries and click-and-collect, footfall in town and city centres would be hugely reduced and business could be severely impacted.
It means that the support from customers, particularly once the lockdown ends on December 2, is vital, Mr Hughes said, and he urged people not to forsake small independent businesses.
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But he insisted that if Plymouth can weather the current storm it will emerge in a stronger position with new brands waiting to move in.
He said Plymouth city centre had seen plenty of shoppers in the days leading up to lockdown on November 5, but stressed: “It has been a busy few days, but footfall is now going to collapse and put some of our businesses in a struggle for survival – they need all the support they can get.
“Some will find it hard but it depends on what happens when we come out on December 2. Out message is to support the city centre and local traders. By shopping local you will be helping to protect jobs.”
He said 16,000 people are employed in retail and hospitality in Plymouth city centre and its waterfront and added: “A lot of those people are really worried about their jobs. So if there is one thing you can do to help those people this Christmas it is to please shop locally.
“Please don’t rush to Amazon. Essential shops will still be open and many businesses will be finding new ways to trade by delivering or with click-and-collect.
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Mr Hughes highlighted this “interesting development” of businesses operating a click-and-collect service being allowed to stay open this time.
“ If you decide to provide this service please let us know, so we can publicise for you,” he said, adding that “quite a lot” in Plymouth city centre are looking into doing so.
But he added: “There is a concern that if they do click-and-collect they won’t get grants, So there are a few waiting to see what the guidance is.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered “non-essential businesses” to close for four weeks from November 5 as part of the second national lockdown, needed to protect the NHS as Covid-19 infections rose.
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Mr Hughes said there was still some confusion over which retailers are deemed to be selling essential goods, however, and what the definition of “hardware” stores is.
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“There are a few grey areas which hopefully will be cleared up,” he said.
But Mr Hughes said that once the lockdown is lifted retail’s future will be rosier, with the planned arrival of Hugo Boss, BrewDog and German Doner Kebab, plus the reopening of the £40million The Box cultural attraction, all likely to give the city centre a shot in the arm.
“Once we come out of this we are in a strong position for recovery, we have a lot of new businesses about to open,” he said. “If we get through this and get the R number down the prospects are good. But there will still be some businesses that will need extra support.
“It’s vital everyone complies with the rules and we get this lockdown over as soon as possible, but people still have the opportunity to come into the city centre and pick up goods and shop at essential stores. But that means no browsing – come in for what you need.”