How are non-essential shops opening on 29th March?

[TheLost]

Several shops in my town (in England) - a toy shop, a souvenir shop, a book shop and an interiors shop all have signs in the windows saying that they’ll be reopening 29th March. Everything I can find online suggests that non essential shops aren’t allowed to open until 12th April.

Have I missed something? All these shops are independent shops, does that make a difference at all?

I’m not suggesting that they shouldn’t open or anything, just wondering how they’re allowed to.

Are you local Mistressofthedarkside

If mobile phone shops can sell crisps to stay open I don’t see why you can’t sell Lucretia Lemonade. I’ve often wondered why M&S doesn’t sell Sisters of Percy sweets at Halloween.

Good for them. They probably need the trade at Easter.

In Scotland the definition of essential retail has been extended to include things like baby equipment and these shops are allowed to open slightly earlier. Could it be something like that?

It’s a toy shop, a souvenir shop selling shells, crabbing lines and postcards, a bookshop and an interior shop that sells cushions, sculptures and art, no kitchen equipment or anything like that. The souvenir shop has an ice cream freezer so maybe that’s their get out? Not a clue what makes the others essential.

sisters of percy Halloween sweets

To be fair ice cream IS essential

@TheLost

I did wonder about jam. There’s a shop in town that only sells jam and chutneys and they’ve been able to remain open throughout. I can’t wait to see what essential items the bookshop will be selling to justify opening, newspapers maybe? Or maybe they’ve just bought a kettle so they can sell takeaway tea.

I think what counts as an essential obviously varies as takeaway coffee was allowed so why no jam. Both may be food but essential? Opinions may vary on that one.

Where I live, quite a few 'non essential' shops are still open for 'click and collect', including the florist.
I really hate this 'non essential' stuff. If it wasn't essential, no one would buy it anyway.
Technically, lockdown (or rather some restrictions) have lasted an entire year, through the different seasons, so why clothes are not counted as essential, I am not sure.
So far, my DGD has started school requiring uniform, etc.
OK, so we cannot go to a funeral, but we should be able to buy a suitable card to send, but needless to say, our local supermarket did not have any 'sympathy' cards at all.
Same with birthdays, if children cannot have a birthday party, you should be able to buy them a present, etc.
All it means, is that Amazon wins, when I would rather shop locally

milveycrohn totally agree. I usually buy my kids school stuff at the local, independent clothes shop, same with shoes. Instead I’ve had to buy them from Sainsbury’s, had to buy stationary and books from Amazon, all Christmas presents bought online instead of from local shops. Surely the government get more in tax revenue from small independents than Sainsbury’s and Amazon. It’s bonkers.

Gosh I hope they do open on the 29 th
Sick of going into a less than half open Shopping centre when it’s chilly outside and I’m bored

Just caught up

You lot are brilliant, I should indeed get creative!

I'm hoping to get an online shop up and running but it's alot of work, and am currently working on a collab for a witchy subscription box.

If we - Baphomet forbid - get anywhere near another lockdown, I plan to be much better prepared!

I expect that certain food such as ice cream or Easter eggs may be used as the reason, and I think that some shops have been closed that could have been open in any case.

Some may have a counter such that you do not go into the shop, you ask and pay at the entrance.

Lots of small shops here with tables at the door for order‘collection’.
The reality is you go and ask for what you want and the owner brings it to you.

Just let them open, small businesses are on their knees.

scottishgirl85 completely agree, I have no objection to them opening at all. I was just wondering how they were getting around the rules.

Baphomet forbid

This slayed me. 😂 Great sense of humour @MistressoftheDarkSide.

@TheLightSideOfTheMoon at goth jam.I

Mind you, I'd be on board with most of these, mmmm

@JingsMahBucket

My terrible gallows humour has not always been appreciated! Thank you !

@JingsMahBucket

Baphomet forbid

This slayed me. 😂 Great sense of humour @MistressoftheDarkSide.

Very true.😂