While all nations have slightly different advice and requirements, many have now given merchants, retailers and trade counters the OK to remain open as essential retailers.
Now big operations like Travis Perkins, B&Q and Homebase are also opening and readying more stores for business during lockdown. But for smaller scale merchants and for trade counter owners and managers, it's arguably tougher to know where to start in reopening during the lockdown without the resources of multiple store operators - while also adhering to social distancing requirements.
With that in mind, here are some pointers to consider from Cleaner Retail - a new one-stop-shop that has been set up to assist shops in creating sanitised environments for clean retail environments...
Many retailers may be beginning to consider how they will tackle reopening once the government enforced lockdown is eased. But knowing where to start, and ensuring compliance, is causing confusion and stress for many. Help is at hand however, with the launch of the new Cleaner Retail online store; a store designed to cut through the noise and provide retailers with everything they need to create a sanitised retail environment that will enable them to reopen and stay open, whilst also protecting staff and customers as we navigate a new ‘normal’.
The importance of signage
The government has set out clear guidelines regarding the use of signage, in that it must be used for the flow of customers and to reinforce social distancing parameters.
From social distancing floor markers, to hygiene reminders and directional flow information, signage is essential in promoting those key components that will enable retailers to be deemed compliant, and therefore able to reopen. It is also important that any signage is fit for purpose, needing to be both weatherproof and UV stable. At Cleaner Retail a range of signage is available for immediate delivery, many of which can bespoke printed with the retailer’s own logo for brand consistency throughout the store.
Cleaner Retail’s Managing Director, Scott Thomas said: “Signage is the first thing retailers think of when considering a return to work, and it is certainly crucial to getting stores open once again, which is why we have created a comprehensive portfolio of products under our ‘Direct’ banner. However, signage is just the first step of many. At Cleaner Retail we’ve done the necessary research to ensure we offer everything retailers need to be compliant, as well as protecting both staff and customers. We’re also working with our customers to add more lines and products that meet demand and fulfil individual needs.”
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Simplifying screening
When we think of protective screens our first thought may be till fronts, but did you know that screening should also be considered for areas of high footfall such as queuing areas, multi-directional merchandising displays, entrances and exits?
In most cases there is no such thing as a one-size-fits all protective screen solution. Instead fixings need to accommodate a range of materials, whilst sizes range dependent on location. With Cleaner Retail’s screen options there are solutions for all screening needs, including both exterior and interior applications. What’s more, each of Cleaner Retail’s UK manufactured screens are guaranteed for two-years. Each protective screen comes complete with a full fixing kit, meaning they can be quickly and easily installed.
Scott Thomas offers a word of warning to retailers however, encouraging them to start thinking about their protective screening needs sooner rather than later. He said: “As so many retailers will have bespoke protective screen requirements, we will need to manufacture to order to ensure the correct fit and maximum efficiency. As a result, screening orders will take longer to be fulfilled. This additional time needs to be considered now if retailers want to be ready in time for when an anticipated easing of lockdown may occur.”
Coming next: Step two – Sanitation
Now you have your signage and screens, what next? Look out for the forthcoming advice from Cleaner Retail about the next steps to take to ensure reopening compliance, from pop-up handwashing and sanitation stations to disinfectant sprays.
Why Cleaner Retail?
There is no doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic will change the way we shop for the long-term. But rather than sit around and wait for UK retailing to begin once again, one company has taken steps to help kickstart things by providing retailers with everything they need to get ready to open, remain compliant in regards to hygiene and social distancing, and ultimately, stay open with a cleaner and more efficient retail environment to meet the demands of the post-lockdown world. Products available from Cleaner Retail include disinfectant sprays, signage, portable handwashing and sanitation stations, PPE and protective screening.
Scott Thomas, Managing Director of interior trend-led pot suppliers, Ivyline, and now founder of Cleaner Retail added: “We were never going to sit around and do nothing; we knew we had to take steps to get retailing back on its feet. Many of Ivyline’s retail customers were telling us that access to products required to reopen was difficult due to a fragmented supply chain. Within a week of hearing this we had utilised every connection we had to create a true one-stop-shop that helps any retailer, small or large, to get everything they need to confidently reopen in line with government guidelines. Cleaner Retail represents a complete change of direction for us (though Ivyline remains fully operational) but it’s a diversification that is so important at this time.”
Further information regarding the government’s advice for social distancing in the workplace can be found here.
Find out more
To find out more about Cleaner Retail, or to place your order please visit www.cleanerretail.com. Alternatively call 024 7633 9189 or email info@cleanerretail.com.
