THERE have been long queues in Worcester today as many shops opened for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown.

Excited shoppers queued outside stores including Sports Direct, Primark and H&M from 8am, with some even bringing deck chairs along for the wait.

Friends Courtney Sirrel and Georgia Painter were among those queuing outside Primark, in Crowngate Shopping Centre, and waited 30 minutes to get inside the discount clothes store.

Store owners and staff were also excited to get back to work after almost two months of non-essential shops being closed.

Mark and Michelle Rasdall, owners of Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe in the High Street, said: “We are very excited to be reopening. Town is bustling and we’re hoping that people remember we’re here. If we see one happy customer today then we will be happy.”

Michael Lloyd, centre manager at Crowngate Shopping Centre, said: “It was really pleasing to see Crowngate and the shopping areas of Worcester come to life again with shoppers and families whilst keeping to the government social distancing guidance.

"Crowngate saw many of our retailers open with queues of various sizes, all of which were managed fantastically by a collaborative approach between the retailers and the Crowngate teams. 

"All shoppers were very well mannered and kept informed by retail staff once within the stores.

"We would like to thank our customers who have made today’s opening a success by accepting the new regimes in place and being polite and friendly, not only to each other, but the staff throughout.”

Lush also opened for the first time in three months although staff were operating from a kiosk due to the small size of the shop. Employees Sophie Grogan and Lauren Bransford said they were excited to be back to work.

Social distancing measures were in place in every store and signs were placed throughout the city centre reminding people to keep their distance and stay safe. Crowngate introduced a one-way system and most shops has hand cleansing stations and full PPE for the staff.

Samantha McCarthy, projects and marketing manager at Worcester BID, spoke about the importance of keeping people safe and shopping locally. She said: “Today we see Worcester’s shops and businesses beginning to reopen. Please understand they may have just survived one of the hardest challenges they have ever faced. We ask you to support the businesses and shop local.

“Please respect their new policies that have been put in place to keep customers and their employees safe. Worcester businesses are doing everything they can to adapt to the situation and save their businesses.

“Throughout the last few months we have witnessed businesses reshape their whole business model in order to keep trading and to keep Worcester safe. This has been inspiring to see and the businesses deserve to do well and should feel proud of what they have achieved in such a difficult time.

“Worcester BID and Worcester City Council are working together in partnership to develop and implement the city recovery plan to support the businesses and the local economy. Working to ensure Worcester stays open, healthy and safe.

“Please remember to keep your distance and spread out your shopping trips to keep Worcester open for business.

“Be kind. Be patient. Keep your distance. Stay healthy.”

A spokesman for the city council added: “Signs have been put up in all the city’s shopping areas, and also in the City Council’s 14 car parks, to remind people of the importance of social distancing. There will also be markings on pavements to show two-metre distances in areas where people may need to queue, such as cashpoints.

“Other signs will highlight alternative routes, so that shoppers can avoid some of the busiest areas.

“Notices on public benches will remind people not to sit too close to someone who is not part of their household.

“The city council will also regularly wash down benches and other “street furniture” such as lamp posts and litter bins in order to help reduce the potential for coronavirus infection.”

Hayley Lewis said: “I went into H&M this morning, got some new clothes for my child who seems to have grown two feet in a week, and had a very pleasant experience in the shop. People were abiding by the social distancing rules and all was very friendly and calm. The people shopping will be the people that save shops from going under.”

The Worcester News is running a Love Local Business campaign to help them recover from the impact of the coronavirus lockdown. It is supported by Worcester MP Robin Walker, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Crowngate Shopping Centre, Visit Worcester, Worcester BID, Tom Cook Carpets and Worcester City Council.

Our Love Local Business campaign encourages our readers to back our traders by spending their money with them.