Retailers have become more optimistic about how long the coronavirus pandemic will disrupt business as they prepare to reopen stores at the start of next month.

Among non-food retailers, 24% believed material disruption to their business would last less than six months the latest Deloitte Retail Industry Sentiment Survey showed. Last week only 6% thought that would be the case. Among grocers, 33% the figure rose to 33% from zero a week ago.

However, most retailers still thought disruption would continue for more than six months.

Deloitte’s weekly poll also showed that 76% of non-food retailers expect that, once the disruption has ended, it will take more than six months for the industry to recover. There was a shift towards a six- to 12-month period rather than 12 to 24 months. Among food retailers, 66% envisaged a return to normality in less than three months.

Respondents were also asked about reopening plans. Of non-food retailers, many of whom have had to close stores during the lockdown, 59% plan to reopen more than 60% of their estates by the end of June.

Among all retailers, the three top business priorities were employee health and safety, optimisation of operations and cash flow.

Respondents were also asked about reopening plans. Of non-food retailers, many of whom have had to close stores during the lockdown, 59% plan to reopen more than 60% of their estates by the end of June.

Among all retailers, the three top business priorities were employee health and safety, optimisation of operations and cash flow.