Retailers in Scotland allowed to reopen on 29 June

All retailers in Scotland will be able to reopen from 29 June, as long as they have outdoor entrances and exits.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced plans for non-essential retail under Phase 2 in Scottish Parliament yesterday (18 June).

She said that from 29 June retail premises of all sizes can re-open, but only if they have outdoor entrances and exits. Premises inside indoor shopping will have to remain closed until Phase 3, she said.

Sturgeon said: “For those shops that can re-open from June 29, local authorities and retailers should use the period between now and then to ensure that plans for the responsible use of public space are in place.

“For example to manage queues, pedestrians and cyclists, ensure that unnecessary street furniture is removed, and that markings and guidance are in place to support strict physical distancing.”

A date when shops in Wales can reopen is still yet to be confirmed.

The news comes as retail footfall across high streets, shopping centres and retail parks in England increased by 41.7% on 15 June in comparison to last week, and by 51.7% in England’s high streets, according to the latest data from retail experts Springboard.

The 51.7% rise in footfall in high streets from last week is greater than in shopping centres where footfall rose by 37%.