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etail bosses today hit out at the “arbitrary” distinctions being drawn up to decide which shops and venues can remain open through England’s four-week lockdown as the hit to “non-essential” shops was estimated at £8billion.
Tom Ironside, director of policy for the British Retail Consortium which represents more than 170 major retailers, estimates those considered “non-essential” will lose a total of £2billion a week.
He told the BBC: “We think the distinctions that have been made are really quite arbitrary. The timing of this lockdown is clearly extremely difficult for the retail industry.
“This is effectively the golden quarter and to lose a month of sales is extremely difficult. We estimate that those classed as non-essential and required to close will be losing £2billion a week.”
The fresh round of restrictions differ from those enforced last spring and uncertainty remains over some of the finer details. Retailers forced to close will be allowed to sell online for delivery and, where possible, collection.
Westfield shopping centres will stay open, for M&S Foodhall, Waitrose, Boots, Holland & Barrett, WHSmith Post Office and Superdrug customers.
This is what we know so far, and will be updated as we find out more:
Supermarkets, pharmacies, garden centres, hardware stores, off licences, newsagents and corner shops.
In supermarkets, unlike in Wales, aisles selling non-essential goods will not be closed off. However, there remains a question mark over whether in-store concessions will be able to continue to trade.
Wickes, B&Q, Homebase and Screwfix have all indicated that their stores will remain open nationwide.
Petrol stations, and on-site car washes
Car repair garages, bike shops. Halfords said: “We will continue to operate in a way that is safe for both our customers and colleagues.”
The Post Office will remain open and Royal Mail will continue the postal delivery service.
Libraries will be able to remain open for click-and-collect services and for IT access.
Unlike the previous lockdown, dentists will remain open for routine appointments as well as emergency care.
Opticians have also been given the green light to open for sight tests, routine procedures and check ups this time around as well as emergency treatment.
Banks, building societies, loan providers and money transfer businesses can stay open.
Estate agents and lettings agents can continue to work and people looking to move home can continue to do Covid-safe viewings
Care home residents in England will be limited to a maximum of two regular visitors, with meetings taking place outdoors “wherever possible”
Argos outlets inside Sainsbury’s will remain open for collecting online orders while shopping for groceries. Standalone shops will likely be forced to close
Restaurants and pubs can open with takeaway and delivery, with McDonalds, Greggs, Costa Coffee, Starbucks and Caffè Nero all saying they will keep open, albeit some with reduced menus and opening times.
Pubs can also sell takeaway beer after a last-minute government U-turn.
Restaurants, bars and pubs must otherwise close.
All gyms and fitness centres will close
Car showrooms will close their doors but purchased cars can be delivered.
Leisure and entertainment venues: bowling alleys, gyms, sports facilities including swimming pools, golf courses and driving ranges, dance studios, stables and riding centres, soft play facilities, climbing walls and climbing centres, archery and shooting ranges, water and theme parks.
Theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, casinos, adult gaming centres and arcades, bingo halls and zoos.
Hair, beauty and nail salons, tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services, non-medical acupuncture and tanning salons will also close.
Hotels, hostels and other accommodation should only open for those who have to travel for work and for a limited number of other reasons including people who need accommodation while moving house, to attend a funeral or if they are isolating by law.
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