Famous Sheffield department store reveals plan for reopening

The Government has said shops could reopen from June 1, and the department store Atkinsons has outlined the measures it is taking as it prepares to welcome back customers.

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The department store on The Moor in Sheffield city centre, which has been trading for nearly 150 years, says it intends to have reduced opening hours to begin with and there will be sanitiser stations and a one-way system in place to protect staff and shoppers from coronavirus.

The firm’s managing director Nicholas Atkinson said: “We are well advanced with our planning with face masks, plastic visors, sanitiser stations, one way in and out systems which conform with Government guidelines.

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“Our trading times will change initially to 9.30am-4.30pm Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday. These will return to normal hours once we have accessed demand.

“Our next task is to prepare for the reopening, and we will of course keep you posted on that nearer the time.

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“Interestingly, Australia opened its shops after lockdown last weekend and the public there, responded positively and we will have to wait and see how customers react in the UK. Something to look forward to though, for a change.”

Atkinsons, which has been closed since March, has not confirmed a reopening date as the Government date of June 1 is dependent on tests being met regarding the spread of COVID-19 in the UK.