The full list of shops that are now allowed to reopen due to lockdown easing

Eight weeks ago only essential shops were allowed to remain open, but as we enter the beginnings of lockdown easing, others are starting to be allowed to trade again. 

The latest advise from the government means many stores are now allowed to reopen as part of the plan to gradually ease restrictions. 

We’re all very aware of the length of the queues at the mo’ to get into the local Tesco for the weekly essentials shop, but the new rules might mean places are a little less busy.

The majority of the high street has been shut since March 23rd when the lockdown was put in place. The government’s newest guidance means stores selling homeware items can now reopen, which has meant Matalan has announced it’s reopening a select number of stores.

Other shops that can now open include: 

• Food retailers
• Dental services, opticians, audiology services, chiropody, chiropractors, osteopaths and other medical or health services (including physiotherapy and podiatry services), and services relating to mental health
• Pharmacies and chemists, including non-dispensing pharmacies
• Petrol stations
• Bicycle shops
• Homeware, building supplies and hardware stores, including where those stores supply equipment for hire
• Garden centres and plant nurseries
• Veterinary surgeries and pet shops
• Agricultural supplies shopss
• Convenience stores, corner shops and newsagents
• Off-licenses 
• Laundrettes and dry cleaners
• Post offices
• Taxi or vehicle hire businesses
• Car repair and MOT services
• Car parks
• Banks, building societies, short-term loan providers, credit unions, savings clubs, cash points, currency exchange offices, businesses for the transmission of money, and businesses which cash cheques.
• Storage and distribution facilities, including delivery drop off or collection points where they are on the premises of any of the above businesses
• Public toilets
• Shopping centres may stay open but only units of the types listed above may trade

Shops that need to remain closed include: 

• Hairdressers, barbers, beauty and nail salons
• Piercing and tattoo parlours
• All other retail stores other than those exempt. Staff can receive deliveries or produce services such as online orders.
• Clothing, beauty and shoe stores