Louth shops celebrate re-opening as lockdown restrictions ease

Dozens of non-essential shops and businesses in our area have reopened their doors this week, in line with Government guidance.
Pictures from the first day of non-essential shops reopening in Louth. (Photos: John Aron)Pictures from the first day of non-essential shops reopening in Louth. (Photos: John Aron)
Pictures from the first day of non-essential shops reopening in Louth. (Photos: John Aron)

High street retailers and department stores, including book shops, electronics retailers, tailors, auction houses, photography studios, indoor markets, and shops selling clothes, shoes and toys, were finally allowed to open again after almost three months out of action due to coronavirus restrictions.

Despite some concerns that the first day of trading (June 15) might have been a little quiet due to anxiety amongst the public, the streets of Louth were thriving as residents and visitors did their bit to help local stores get back on their feet.

Stephen Parris, who runs the ‘Dragonfly’ card and gift shop in Eastgate, said that his shop had a brilliant response from customers on the big first day back.

Pictures from the first day of non-essential shops reopening in Louth. (Photos: John Aron)Pictures from the first day of non-essential shops reopening in Louth. (Photos: John Aron)
Pictures from the first day of non-essential shops reopening in Louth. (Photos: John Aron)

Mr Parris told the Leader: “Customers were so pleased to see us reopening after three months of us being closed.

“There was a good reaction, and we found that people were thanking us for being open!

“We opened at 9am and our first customers came in shortly afterwards, and it continued through the day.”

Mr Parris explained that decorative frames had been used to surround the Perspex protective screens at the till, to make the situation seem ‘less clinical’ for customers making purchases, while keeping his staff and customers safe.

Pictures from the first day of non-essential shops reopening in Louth. (Photos: John Aron)Pictures from the first day of non-essential shops reopening in Louth. (Photos: John Aron)
Pictures from the first day of non-essential shops reopening in Louth. (Photos: John Aron)

He added that furloughed staff members would be returning to work next week, and said: “We [businesses] need to show confidence and allow people to relax.”

Chairman of the Louth Independent Traders, Gary Denniss, echoed Mr Parris’s comments and said that public confidence would play a key part in getting the local economy back up and running again.

Mr Denniss said: “Louth’s shops saw a surge of customers yesterday, which is really good, although it’s a bit quieter today (Tuesday) as things return to normal.

“Everything went well and we were all busy on Monday. Everybody has been positive, and that’s what we need!

Pictures from the first day of non-essential shops reopening in Louth. (Photos: John Aron)Pictures from the first day of non-essential shops reopening in Louth. (Photos: John Aron)
Pictures from the first day of non-essential shops reopening in Louth. (Photos: John Aron)

The Louth Independent Traders, with support from ELDC’s Councillor Community Grants scheme (through Councillor Sarah Parkin). placed decorative hanging baskets around the town centre, to make it attractive for shoppers.

The traders’ group also placed bunting around the town centre, including New Street and the Cornmarket, with support from the district council.

One notable business to open this week was Janney and Cryans Menswear in the New Market Hall - a brand new business which was established during lockdown!

Ashley Janney, 29, who already owns the Little Sewing Shop in a nearby unit in the market hall, set up the menswear shop with his partner Jonny Cryans, 25, after the former tenant, Hewlett & Co, moved out of the premises to focus on online footwear sales instead.

Pictures from the first day of non-essential shops reopening in Louth. (Photos: John Aron)Pictures from the first day of non-essential shops reopening in Louth. (Photos: John Aron)
Pictures from the first day of non-essential shops reopening in Louth. (Photos: John Aron)

Ashley said: “The first day went really well, and the town was surprisingly quite full.

“The sewing shop was busy too. I run that, while Jonny runs the menswear shop.”

Ashley and Jonny had wanted to open a menswear shop for a while, so they simply took the opportunity when it came along, in spite of the potential economic risk due to the coronavirus - with Ashley insisting that “you have got to take risks in life!”

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