The sparse number of stalls on Ripon market this morning told its own story of a city that had woken up to day one of covid lockdown two.
Traders selling non-essential goods cannot work again at the market for at least four weeks — adding to the 11 weeks of lost business caused by the first lockdown from March until June.
Sonya Johnson, who would normally have been at Ripon market today with her female accessories stall, said:
“It’s not good obviously because it’s the busiest time of the year. We just need to grin and bear it and hope we can reopen for December. It’s come at the worse time ever as November and December are always really busy.
“We normally have the Christmas trade to tide us over through January and February but if we come back then it could be difficult.”
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Non-essential shops attempted to maximise sales yesterday in the final few hours before lockdown.
So did salons and barbers, which stayed open late for customers desperate to get a trim.
Wetherspoon’s Unicorn Hotel – the largest pub in Ripon – offered its real ales at 99 pence a pint before it closed.
Cafes and restaurants served their last November customers in the hope they will be back in early December.
No takeaways
Oliver’s Pantry in Fishergate kept its head above water during the first lockdown by introducing a limited takeaway service, but is not doing the same this time.
Lou Grant, joint owner of the business with husband Tim, said:
“We have considered all options and made the decision to fully lockdown.
“Hopefully, we will only be closed for a few weeks. We will monitor the news and hope to be able to open again very soon with a big bang.”
A sign in the cafe’s window this morning sent a simple message to all of Ripon’s businesses – ‘Don’t quit.’
