Are charity shops open? If second hand shops have reopened - and social distancing rules in place

Here’s everything you need to know.

When will charity shops open?

Charity shops, along with other non-essential retailers, are now open in England, in line with government guidance.

However, they face a number of new challenges as all new donations will have to be quarantined for 72 hours before they can be displayed on the shop floor.

Charity shops are also expecting an influx of donated items, with people having clear outs during the lockdown period.

Barnardo's is advising customers to call their local store before donating in order to ensure that the shop is able to take the items and to help manage the expected influx of donations.

What are non-essential shops?

Non-essential retailers include shops selling clothes, toys, furniture, shoes, books, electronics, alongside tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets.

However, nail salons are not included in this and are still currently closed.

How has the lockdown impacted retail?

The temporary closure of clothes stores during lockdown has had a significant impact on businesses, with clothing outlets Oasis and Warehouse closing permanently, resulting in the loss of 1,800 jobs.

Debenhams also entered into administration for the second time in a year in April, forcing some of its branches to stay shut permanently.

However, Boris Johnson said reopening shops is "contingent on progress in the fight against coronavirus", and that retailers will have to adhere to new guidelines in order to protect shoppers and workers.

What social distancing measures are in place for shops?

New guidance has been published for the retail sector, which includes the measures that they should take in order to meet hygiene and social distancing standards.

This includes frequently cleaning objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, including trolleys, coffee machines and self-checkouts, and placing protective coverings on large items touched by the public such as beds or sofas.

Which shops remained open during lockdown?

Stores which were classed as ‘essential’ and remained open during lockdown, include:

Off-licences

Supermarkets

Pharmacies

Petrol stations

Banks

Storage and distribution facilities

Post offices

Home and hardware stores

Garages

Vehicle rental services

Vets and pet shops

Laundrettes and dry cleaners

Market stalls

Market stalls which provide essential items such as food are allowed to stay open.

Newsagents

Bicycle shops

Shopping centres (if they have retail units which offer essential services, such as food or medicine, or shops on this list)