The British Retail Consortium has published guidance on measures for non-essential retailers to prepare for stores to reopen when lockdown restrictions ease.
The BRC, which has teamed up with shopworkers’ union Usdaw on the guidelines, has said it is not clear when the non-food retail sector will resume for business, but highlighted that it needed to be ready to prepare to reopen with virus control restrictions.
The guidance includes advice on enforcing social distancing both in and outside of stores, including on the shop floor, aisles and till areas; delivery areas; changing rooms; customer seating areas; and cafés and toilets.
Retailers are encouraged to speak to nearby premises to work together on managing possible shared queuing areas.
Businesses in shopping centres are urged to discuss queue management with centre management to determine the best way to avoid congestion.
The BRC also noted that while the government advises that personal protective equipment is only necessary for those working in “clinical situations”, it is “good practice” to provide colleagues with gloves and masks or visors if they request them.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said: “Retailers are closely following developments from government on when restrictions might be eased and are starting to plan accordingly. The safety and wellbeing of retail colleagues and customers remains the highest priority and these guidelines aim to support everyone in the industry.
“Since the lockdown, many retailers have proved how shops can be run safely and effectively in line with the government’s social distancing advice.”
She added: “Continued close collaboration with government, including public support for the steps retailers are taking and adequate notice to get supply chains up and running, will mean that retail businesses can start trading again slowly and safely, and customers can feel confident that they are safe to return to shops.”
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