The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is calling on Scottish Ministers for a clearer exit strategy from lockdown.
The plea follows yesterday’s (Thursday, May 21) announcement from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon that Scotland would begin to ease restrictions from next week.
She announced a four-phase easing of restrictions, with services such as garden centres and recycling facilities allowed to reopen from May 28.
However, Bira’s ceo Andrew Goodacre is calling for a more detailed exit strategy to help retailers prepare to reopen.
He said: “We are pleased to see some of the restrictions being lifted. However, retail needs to see more detail on the timelines for the next phases.
“It takes time to open a store after having been closed for several weeks and we see no reason why a more specific timescale cannot be given.
“We have learned from the retailers who have traded through the crisis and all retailers know what they need to do to protect employees and customers – they should be trusted to do so.
“Another week closed is another week closer to business failure.”
* Andrew Goodacre believes independent retailers could thrive again with the right support. Read his Life after Lockdown exit strategy here
