All non essential retailers can reopen from 15th June

Non essential retailers have been given the green light to start reopening next month as Prime Minister Boris Johnson tries to ease the coronavirus lockdown.

Outdoor markets and showrooms will be able to start trading again in England from 1st June, so long as they adhere to coronavirus safety guidelines. All other non essential retailers can follow suit from 15th June.

Asked if people who were financially able to should go out and spend, Johnson replied: "The short answer is yes. I think in so far as people can get out and enjoy themselves in the open air from 1st June and make use of markets and car showrooms, I'm certainly not going to discourage them from spending at all.”

“I think it's early days, but we are very much hoping there will be a bounceback over the course of the next few months,” he added.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive at the British Retail Consortium, commented: “We welcome the announcement of the government’s roadmap for reopening a broader range of shops next month, which provides much needed clarity on the route ahead.”

“Safety is the fundamental concern for all retailers and they have been working hard to implement the necessary measures to operate safely over the past weeks. Now that we know which shops can open and when, retailers can begin communicating their plans with their workforces and customers. The industry stands ready to play its part in getting the economy moving again.”