‘It’s been nice to be able to go back into some shops’
SHOPPERS continue to support the Town’s locally-owned shops that have opened as part of the island’s exit from lockdown, with some hopeful that the rest will open in phase five at the weekend.
Many of the UK-owned shops, including Hotel Chocolat, Next, Fat Face, Paperchase, The Body Shop and Edinburgh Woollen Mill, remain closed, despite England allowing non-essential shops to reopen from yesterday.
Shoppers still hit Town to buy shoes, bags and clothes from the businesses that did open, some even venturing in on a day trip from Alderney.
Alex Rotaru and Elena Costea, who work in a hotel in Alderney, said they were extremely excited to be able to have the chance to come shopping again in Guernsey.
‘We came here at 8.30 this morning and we’re so happy to spend some time here,’ said Ms Costea.
‘Alderney’s so small, and they don’t have most of these shops at all, let alone the ones that are still closed. It’s been a nice opportunity for us to enjoy more choice and our freedom.’
Ms Rotaru added it was good to support the economy.
‘We’re going to Octopus soon to have something to eat before heading back,’ she said.
Several of the Town’s shops that were closed still had their lights on, giving the hope of a possible reopening soon.
Some also had staff inside, potentially getting the shop ready for customers again.
Stacey Jones had wanted to pop into The Body Shop, however, with it still closed she had to settle for going elsewhere, with a return trip planned for next week.
‘It’s been nice to be able to go back into some shops, it’s just a shame that not all are open,’ she said.
‘I would have liked to have topped up my Body Shop products, but maybe next week.’
Currently in phase four of the island’s exit strategy from lockdown, queues were still being formed outside shops, such as Card Factory, before customers could be allowed in, but all this will change on Saturday as phase five begins and social distancing rules are lifted.
Co-owner of locally-owned clothing store Seahorse, Theo Hamilton, said since being able to reopen on 30 May, Town had seen a lot of support and phase five was an exciting prospect.
‘The support we’ve had from the public has been really positive,’ he said.
‘It is quieter than previous years because there is no tourism and because of the fact that there are no cruise ships which hasn’t helped the economy.
'It’s a nice flow though – people have really got behind local businesses.
‘Next week, once phase five really gets under way, it’d be good to see more people gain the confidence to come out shopping again.’
