Today marks the biggest easing of the lockdown since restrictions came into place on March 23.
For the first time in months shops in Leicester and the surrounding towns and villages will be open to the public – with social distancing restrictions in place.
Stores selling everything from clothes and toys, to shoes, books and beauty products can open – all previously considered non-essential as the country battled the pandemic.
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We can even visit Twycross Zoo again – albeit with tickets booked in advance online and limits on the number of visitors allowed per day.
And Business-Live is with them, through our #IAmOpen campaign.
Along with our sister titles up and down the country we are championing the fact that our local shops and services are back in business and finding new ways to safely serve customers and help pull Britain out of its current economic woes.
By signing up, businesses can have access to exclusive marketing advice, offers, networking and participation in future Reach #IAmOpen events.
Details are on the Business-Live website.
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Today’s reopenings follow those of garden centres, outdoor markets and car showrooms in recent weeks.
But it will still be some time before we can enjoy a pint in a pub or beer garden, a restaurant meal or a theatre show.
Hairdressers, libraries, churches, cinemas and galleries will also remain shut until at least July 4 in England, and hotels and holiday accommodation could be even later in reopening – because of the ongoing risk of transmission.
Among the Leicester city centre stores opening today will be Next, River Island, Goldsmiths, Hotel Chocolat, All Saints, Top Shop and Zara.
The Marks and Spencer food hall in Humberstone Gate has been open throughout the lockdown, and from today most of the rest of the store reopens.
Leicester store manager Andy Frith said: “We’ve been very proud of the service we have been able to give during the lockdown, always being open and in helping feed Leicester and feed the nation safely.
“The city centre has been quieter and hopefully today’s reopenings will herald a bit of a return to normality and we will see our City Centre start to thrive again, in a safe way for everyone.”
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The Highcross Debenhams store will remain permanently shut as the chain’s financial difficulties continue. There is some positive news though as the main floor will eventually become a new-style Next cosmetics shop.
John Lewis is also holding off on reopening its Leicester store, saying more shops will open throughout the summer depending on the response from customers and staff. One insider said there was no suggestion it would not be coming back.
Here is what you might expect to see:
– Next has confirmed its Highcross and Fosse Park clothes stores will open today
– Customers at Lush will be asked to wash their hands upon entering
– The number of customers in Schuh footwear shops is being controlled and floor layouts reorganised
– There will be no big sale when Primark reopens its doors
– GAME has confirmed that all of its stores will open from today
County, towns and villages are also gearing up to reopen.
Market Harborough, for instance, has brought in helpers in high-visibility vests to guide shoppers and answer questions.
Hand sanitisers have been installed in high streets, with more than 100 shops and businesses in all re-opening across the district.
Matt Bowers, chair of the Leicestershire Market Towns Group, said: “We are all keen to return to normality and this is a very welcome step, but we know it is critical that we all maintain social distancing.
“Redesigning our town centres into a covid-19 secure shopping areas at a time when rules are constantly changing has been a challenge for us all, but we must continue to adapt and be flexible to ensure the safety and vitality of our residents and businesses.
“I’d urge visitors to please support our local businesses, but to do so safely by following the guidance.”
Councillor Trevor Pendleton, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “As the highways authority, we’re working closely with our neighbouring council colleagues to gear up in readiness for the re-opening of our market towns from next Monday.
“We’re doing all we can to support a safe return to shopping and trading and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.
“More widely across the county, where it’s not possible to put some of the town centre measures in place, we’re encouraging people to continue following the Government guidelines about staying two metres apart.
“If we all pull together and use our common sense, we can make a huge difference for those needing to get around in what remains a difficult and testing time for all.”