Are shops open? Date non-essential retailers can open as lockdown rules are relaxed - and which stores will remain closed

The UK entered lockdown on 23 March, with non-essential businesses temporarily closing their doors, including most retail outlets.

However, as part of plans to ease lockdown restrictions, shops can now reopen their doors again.

Here’s what you need to know.

When will shops reopen?

Outdoor markets and car showrooms reopened their doors on 1 June, with all other non-essential retailers also now able to reopen their doors in England.

However, the Prime Minister said that this 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.

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.

The closure of shops during lockdown has had a significant impact on the retail industry, 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.

Some cafes or restaurants with outdoor space, and places of worship and socially distanced cinemas, could return to business from July, although specific details haven’t yet been given.

However, these current guidelines for the reopening of shops only apply to England.

In Scotland, people are now able to travel for outdoor leisure and exercise, but are advised to stay within a short distance of local community (within 5 miles).

There will also be the gradual reopening of drive through food outlets. Garden centres and plant nurseries can reopen with physical distancing, as can recycling centres and court buildings.

In Wales, some garden centres have been allowed to reopen since May 10, and rules on how many times you can exercise have been relaxed. However, the advice is to stay local.

Schools remain shut and people should still work from home when they can, and continue to social distance.

In Northern Ireland, non-essential retailers have now reopened as part of a number of lockdown measures lifted by the executive.

Which shops remained open throughout lockdown?

Since the lockdown was put into place on 23 March, only shops that sold essential items were allowed to stay open in England.

This included supermarkets, pharmacies, petrol stations and bicycle shops.