This was the huge queue outside Sports Direct in Sheffield this morning as shops reopened

The store was one of hundreds across the city welcoming back customers on Monday, June 15 for the first time since the lockdown began in March, after non-essential retailers were allowed to reopen.

From sanitising stations to one-way systems – ‘excitement and nerves’ of shop owners as Sheffield’s independents prepare to reopen

Sports Direct on the High Street was not the only city centre shop experiencing high demand, with a lengthy queue also forming outside Primark on The Moor.

Road closures, street markings and hand sanitiser stations are in place around Sheffield city centre to help shoppers keep their distance and prevent the spread of coronavirus while supporting businesses which have been hit hard by the lengthy closure.

Shops have introduced their own safety measures which include limiting the amount of customers allowed in at any one time, intstalling signs reminding shoppers to keep their distance and putting up screens at checkouts.

Where shoppers can go to the toilet in Sheffield city centre as non-essential shops reopen

Primark has pledged to ensure basket handles are cleaned after each use and that every second till will be closed to maintain social distancing for customers and employees.

Government guidance says that items that have been tried on should be isolated for 72 hours or cleaned before being returned to the shop floor, and that changing rooms should remain closed where possible.

Waterstones has said it will quarantine books which are browsed but not bought, while HMV will insist on hand sanitiser if music lovers wish to flick through records.

All the shops now open at Meadowhall as non-essential retailers resume trading – full list

Face coverings are not mandatory in shops but the Government says shoppers ‘should consider’ wearing them to prevent the spread of COVID-19.