The lights are being turned on again, three months after many stores went dark for the third lockdown as Covid gripped the country.

As retail colleagues are reunited to welcome customers once more, keep up to date with preparations and expectations as trading resumes. Last updated at 3:30pm on April 13.

The North reports biggest footfall bounceback on reopening day

The North and Yorkshire posted the strongest recovery in footfall compared with 2019 levels, down up 0.8% on a two-year basis for reopening day. Central London footfall also rose over the course of the evening as shoppers took advantage of later openings, leading to an overall decline in footfall on a two-year basis of 56% across April 12 as a whole. UK retail parks delivered the strongest performance of retail destinations, up 7.8% compared with 2019 levels, while shopping centres and high streets registered respective declines of 16.5% and 26.7%. Across all retail destinations, footfall was down 15.9% compared with two years ago, but 516.2% compared with the same day the previous year.

Retail parks beat overall footfall decline on reopening day

While up 481.5% year-on-year, retail footfall was down versus 2019 as non-essential stores reopened. Shopper traffic across all destinations was down 16.2% on a two-year basis by 5pm, according to monitor Springboard. High streets were down 24.2% versus 2019 and shopping centres by 16.7%. However, traffic on retail parks advanced 1.7%.

Shoppers ’respectful’ in Chelsea as stores reopened

Chelsea and Knightsbridge landlord Cadogan reported that customers were “respectful” as shops reopened. Place manager Steve Medway said: ”Reopening has had a fantastic atmosphere, with queues outside many Chelsea stores here including Zara, [and] Peter Jones on the King’s Road to Chanel and Hermes on Sloane Street. People seem very respectful and happy to wait – the overall feeling is one of joy to be back out connecting with people and places. Footfall at Duke of York Square is a huge 169% higher than a typical Monday pre-pandemic, which demonstrates the pent-up demand”.  

Rapha expands London flagship

Rapha London Clubhouse

Cycling specialist Rapha has nearly doubled the size of its London Clubhouse for reopening day. The expanded flagship now boasts an extended product range, a in-store cafe and exhibition area which will show a range of content connected to cycling history and culture.

Rapha chief executive Simon Mottram told Retail Week he is confident that expanding the retailer’s London flagship is the right move, despite more subdued city centre footfall post-pandemic.

”When the opportunity came to take next door space we were desperate to. In nine years we know we can make money doing this – its brand flagship, it’s not a marketing expense,” Mottram said.

”We feel really confident we can make this work. The future of retail lies in giving people places they want to go to spend time and have experiences, not to pick up product.”

Whistles offer complimentary personal shopping

Fashion brand Whistles has celebrated reopening all of its stores in England and Wales today by offering customers complimentary, one-to-one personal shopping appointments which can be booked by customers either online or direct from stores. 

The retailer said the sessions can be conducted either virtually or in-person and will offer customers ”styling advice, introduce you to new designs and help you plan for a special occasion.” Whistles said its fully wedding collection would also be made available for customers, with brides allowed to bring up to two guests to a bridal appointment in-store.

The retailer said that its fitting rooms in its stores have all been reopened “with appropriate social distancing measures in place” 

London shoppers put best foot forward

Retail Week head of content Grace Bowden is reporting from central London:

Getting busy at Bluewater

Retail Week editor Luke Tugby has been reporting from the Bluewater shopping centre:

Early footfall numbers looking strong

Data from Springboard revealed that footfall across all UK destinations was up 101.0% week-on-week. Footfall saw increases of 148.4% in shopping centres, 130.4% on the high street and -12.4% on retail parks week-on-week. Across all UK destinations footfall was up 346.2% from 2020.

Students welcoming the return of in-store shopping

A survey of over 30,000 students revealed that the experience they were most looking forward to is returning to bricks and mortar shops (30%) on the lifting of restrictions.  That’s more than restaurants (26%), the gym (20%) and even hairdressers and beauty salons (16%).  The study by student benefits platform UNiDAYS suggested a huge imminent boost to the high street despite fears that many wouldn’t return after online shopping became the norm. 

The UK government’s recent announcement that stores will be permitted to open their fitting rooms will also be crucial for retailers. Over half (52%) of students said that not being able to try items on in changing rooms would put them off shopping in stores.

Students are in support of certain safety measures being adopted permanently. A quarter said they would back the compulsory use of hand gel, 22% would limit numbers in-store and 20% would favour disinfecting clothes after they been tried on by other customers. However, only 14% want to see social distancing in store maintained.  

Monsoon launches boutique store concept

MONSOON MHS -80-Edit-LO-RES

Fashion retailer Monsoon has opened a new boutique store concept in Marylebone, London. 

The store is part of a refresh of Monsoon with a focus on its heritage, craft and commitment to sustainability. The Marylebone High Street shop is the first in a series of new boutiques with over 30 planned in key locations across the UK and Ireland.

Homebase opens garden centres inside Next stores

Homebase has opened garden centres inside six Next stores on April 12 to coincide with retail’s reopening. 

The home and DIY chain has taken space at Next’s shops in Bristol, Sheffield, Ipswich, Warrington, Camberley and Shoreham. 

The Homebase shop-in-shops will sell pots, plants and garden tools, while staff will also be on hand to offer customers advice on their gardening projects. 

Morrisons deploys order-and-pay app as alfresco cafes open

Grocer Morrisons will reopen 107 cafes with outdoor seating and has launched an app enabling people to order and pay from their tables. Customers can also book specific times to collect takeaway orders.

Morrisons head of cafes Ali Lyons said: ”We’re really looking forward to welcoming our customers back and have invested to ensure everyone feels safe and has the best experience possible.”

HMV confident of shopper support for physical retail in 100th year

Music and entertainment specialist HMV, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, is offering ‘List and Leave’ and ’Ring and Reserve’ services as it seeks to “create a Covid-secure personal shopping experience for music fans” when retail reopens.

HMV owner Doug Putman said: ”The British high street has had a tough start to 2021 but, as the country slowly gets back to normal, we’re confident that shoppers will return to supporting physical retail. 

“This year marks HMV’s 100th birthday and we’re setting ourselves up to be here for the next 100 years. Over the coming months, customers will start to see exclusive new merchandise and special editions arrive in their local HMV stores.”

Footfall on an upward trend

While shopper traffic was down almost 70% in March on a two-year basis, that was an improvement on the three-month average decline according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC) Sensormatic IQ Footfall Monitor.

Sensormatic Solutions retail consultant Andy Sumpter said: “As the nation looks ahead to April 12, we may have started to see the green shoots of retail’s recovery beginning.”

UK footfall by location (% change with 2019)

UK footfall by location percentage change with 2019

John Lewis launches value range in stores on reopening day

John Lewis has unveiled Anyday, an own-brand promising “quality and style at everyday prices”, which will be in stores from this week. The initiative is part of John Lewis’ efforts to attract a broader shopper demographic. Pippa Wicks, Executive Director of John Lewis, said: “It was fantastic to welcome customers back into our shops again today and to see so many people excited to be out and about again. Our expert Partners have been on hand to deliver much longed-for services and are busy giving customers the inspiration they need for life after lockdown.”

Shoppers outside John Lewis on Oxford Street

Dune to allow customers to try on shoes from Monday

Footwear specialist Dune will reopen all of its stores from Monday and will encourage customers to wear ”disposable pop socks” when trying on shoes. The retailer will also disinfect all shoes that have been tried on afterwards and will place limits on the number of customers allowed inside a store at once as part of its Covid-safety plans. 

Kantar predicts strong customer demand

Analyst Kantar has predicted that consumers will spend £3.9bn in the first week of reopening. In the week after non-essential retail reopened last year, commencing June 22, 2020, in England, consumers spent £3.8bn in high street stores. A Kantar spokesman said: “Based on our data and experience after previous lockdowns, we know that shoppers are excited to get back to the high street and we’re expecting pent-up demand to fuel an immediate surge in sales. Clothing, homeware and outdoor stores are likely to perform well as shoppers want to buy outfits for warmer weather and get their gardens ready.”

Westfield launches ‘Masks for Good’ campaign

To encourage customers to wear masks inside its White City and Stratford shopping centres when they reopen, shopping centre giant Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield has launched its ‘Masks for Good’ marketing campaign. The campaign is designed “to encourage mask wearing for the duration of each visit”. Kiosks have also been set up at the entrances/exits of both sites where customers will be able to get free, single-use masks and safely recycle those they’ve used once they leave. 

Liverpool One doubles outside seating capacity

Shopping centre Liverpool One has doubled the number of customers who can sit safely outside to 610 in a bid to lure shoppers back to the destination and support its new food and beverage operators. Landlord Grosvenor said: “We have a responsibility to reassure visitors they can return safely, while also inspiring them to spend time enjoying Liverpool One with friends and family as the lockdown begins to lift. At the same time, we are very conscious that our tenants need continued support.”

Harrods promises return of retail theatre

Harrods will offer “a host of new, headlining brand boutiques and pop-ups” and  “exclusive collections and launches”. Harrods Femme, a collaboration with luxury brand Hermès, is “the first of its kind outside of Hermès’ own stores” and there will be a Givenchy menswear pop-up space. A ‘Harrods is Home’ campaign “celebrates bringing people together by delivering exceptional experiences”and outdoor dining terraces will reopen.

Reopening week sales may hit £4.54bn

Spend of £4.54bn is forecast during reopening week as 50.3 million shoppers return to stores, according to research by the Centre for Retail Research for VoucherCodes. Consumers are expected to spend £600m on reopening day, April 12. Market monitor Kantar predicts that, “with longer opening hours and growing confidence among older shoppers in particular”, consumers will spend £3.9bn in the first week of reopening.

Shoppers feel safe on high street, study finds

56% of consumers feel safe returning to the high street – a rise of 16 percentage points month on month, according to a study by Deloitte. Head of retail Ian Geddes said: “Reduced spending opportunities over the last year have improved disposable incomes for some, meaning they are also poised to spend.”

Debenhams opens to finish closing

Department store group Debenhams will open its English and Welsh stores “to complete its final closing-down Sale”. There will be discounts of up to 70%. A spokesperson said: “This is the last chance for customers in England and Wales to visit their local Debenhams before, sadly, our stores close for good.”

Respect store staff, shoppers urged

Industry body the BRC and trade union Usdaw issued a joint plea for respect of shopworkers when stores reopen. There has been a rise in violence and abuse during the pandemic. BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “No one should go to work fearing for their safety. This is why we are asking everyone to be respectful to shopworkers. They deserve our thanks.”

Selfridges offers ‘new and unique’ experiences

Selfridges unveiled new window displays head of retail's reopening on April 12

Selfridges unveiled new window displays head of retail’s reopening on April 12

Selfridges will open SoulCycle’s first outdoor studio in the UK, launch an ‘experience concierge’ service and offer “specially curated experience packages”. The retailer has installed new window displays to wow shoppers and passersby; the ‘Good Nature’ theme reflects the retailer’s concern with sustainability. 

Covent Garden ups outdoor dining space

In London’s Covent Garden 35 restaurants will offer an additional 500 new outdoor dining seats. There will be a six-week street-food festival as well as a “botanical garden outdoor picnic area”. New retail arrivals in the spring include Arc’tyrex and Vashi.

Flight to value likely

There will be “a revived focus on value as consumers start to experience a weakened economy, potentially changed job/financial security outlook and a reopening of ways to spend”, according to Bain & Company partner Anna Thal Larsen. She said consumers “will also look to rebalance their discretionary spend across shopping and leisure/experience options as further restrictions are eased post-Apri 12”.

Vaccination effect lag?

Consumers will “wait for restrictions to be lifted and wider vaccination coverage before re-engaging with activities outside the home”, according to consultancy McKinsey’s UK Consumer Sentiment Research. 91% “are not currently engaging in ‘normal’ out-of-home activities”.

New names open in Trafford Centre

Businesses including Gym+Coffee, Polestar, Chopstix, Tommy Hilfiger, Pop Specs and Forever Unique are opening at the Manchester Trafford Centre mall. Restaurants will offer a takeaway service.

Superdrug adds to in-store appeal

Health and beauty specialist Superdrug will open the doors to its biggest Skinnydip shop-in-shop at its Rushden Lakes, Northamptonshire, branch and bring brands previously only available online, such as Missguided Beauty, into shops.