With 15 June now being named as the new opening date for non-essential retail in the UK, party retailers have shared how they will be preparing for this date and what they are expecting to see when their doors open in a few weeks time.
“Protective screen on the counter… check. Disposable gloves and masks… check. Bottles of hand sanitizer… check. Social distancing…
Ah, here’s where it all falls apart. Social distancing just isn’t possible in this shop and trying on costumes, wigs, masks and hats can’t be done within the social distancing guidelines.
So Jollyjesters won’t be opening as a ‘normal’ shop with regular daily opening hours from 15 June. We will however be making appointments, so customers can still contact us in advance and arrange a time to visit. They can also still order stuff from us and collect it from a safe distance. That arrangement has worked well over the last few weeks, so that does seem the best way to proceed.
I’m not on the high street, a shopping mall or even a town centre, so for me any sales or hires are going to be few and far between. There might be a quick spike for individual items such as hats or wigs but I’m waiting until actual parties and events – such as Butlin’s 80s weekends – start up again.“
Kate Moore, Jollyjesters, Derbyshire
