'Relief' as shops get ready to re-open - but Blackpool businesses need your support more than ever

Shop owners and workers across the Fylde coast have faced some of the most challenging months of their working lives.
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The coronavirus lockdown has hit retail harder than most sectors, but now there is light at the end of the tunnel, with many non-essential item shops planning to reopen on Monday.

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Houndshill Shopping Centre Blackpool: These are the shops preparing to reopen on...

With many shops and hospitality businesses having been hit so hard that some may not be able to recover, now really is the time to #supportblackpool to help the resort, and the rest of the Fylde coast, get back on its feet.

Signs have been put up to help customers stick to social distancing rules at the Affinity shopping centre in Fleetwood.Signs have been put up to help customers stick to social distancing rules at the Affinity shopping centre in Fleetwood.
Signs have been put up to help customers stick to social distancing rules at the Affinity shopping centre in Fleetwood.
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Shop owners across the coast have been preparing for the grand reopening by putting in social distancing measures, signs and cleaning stations.

One such shop owner is Mark Yates, from the Brooks Collectables shop at the Promenade end of Bond Street. He said: “The lockdown came at the worst possible time. We had just opened after the winter break and had ordered the stock in when we had to close again. We still have all the bills to pay in the meantime, so we need to get back open again.

“We are planning to open on Tuesday with restricted hours and have got all the PPE and sanitizer equipment ready. We have been working out the best way to have customers coming through the shop. We have been keeping in touch with customers with a daily toy video on our Facebook page. They have been well received with around 30,000 views.”

Shops at Blackpool’s main shopping centre, the Houndshill, has been working hard to get ready for Monday.

Mark Yates, of Brooks Collectibles, has been getting his store ready to re-open next week.Mark Yates, of Brooks Collectibles, has been getting his store ready to re-open next week.
Mark Yates, of Brooks Collectibles, has been getting his store ready to re-open next week.
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A raft of measures have been brought in, including one-way systems, floor stickers for social distance, increased cleaning and sanitiser stations for public use.

Centre manager Debbs Lancelott said they did not “underestimate the importance of getting these measures right”.

She said: “Managing the health and safety element of reopening is our biggest priority right now and I can confidently say that our plans meet all requirements outlined in the Government guidelines, to ensure we safely manage the customer journey throughout the malls.

“On site guest ambassadors will be on hand to carefully control the measures at all times.

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“We are working with retailers to deliver clear health and safety measures around the centre and to ensure social distancing is abided by.

“We would like to thank the public for their patience during this challenging time and our fantastic team who are working very hard in challenging circumstances, to support our retailers, serve our communities and take care of one another.

“We look forward to re-opening on June 15 and welcoming customers back to Houndshill.”

Catharine Holmes, centre manager at the Affinity shopping outlet in Fleetwood, said: “We are really excited to be able to reopen safely and our priority is to keep occupants and customers safe but also allow them to enjoy the retail experience we know they have all been missing.”

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Ryan Skyrme, operations manager for Blackpool BID, the organisation which supports the town centre, said it had been liaising with businesses in the town to get social distancing measures in place that the public can be confident of.

He said: “On the behalf of members we are encouraging shoppers to support their local town centre.

“From discussions with businesses it has become apparent that it may take a few days for everyone to be able to implement the necessary social distancing measures, therefore there may be a slow opening of businesses throughout the week.

“It is a relief for Blackpool BID and our members that we are able to reopen the Town Centre”

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