People in Harrogate spoke today of their relief about shops reopening after a month-long lockdown.

Today’s easing of covid restrictions allowed businesses to swing open their doors and there were plenty of eager shoppers there to support them.

A strong ‘shop local’ message has been pushed during the pandemic and it seems people in Harrogate today were keen to heed it and keep their high street shops alive.

Beryl Westerman said she was glad to be out again after staying inside for the past month:

“It’s lovely to come out and see people again.”

Beryl was glad to be back out and about again.

Read more:

• Knaresborough shop owners are “positive” as they reopen their doors today. 
• Wrens in Ripon is closing its doors for good. 

The pandemic has had a huge impact on some retailers.

Huge names such as Debenhams have fallen into administration following losses in trade. Some others won’t be opening their doors again.

The run-up to Christmas will be a crucial time for those that have survived the second lockdown.

The Christmas lights are up, the business owners are ready, now all Knaresborough needs is shoppers.

After a month of lockdown, Knaresborough’s shop owners say they need a huge boost to sales to cover the losses of two lockdowns.

The shopkeepers have been eager to reopen and are encouraging people to venture out and support their local high street.

The whole town is getting in the festive spirit. Knaresborough Chamber of Trade has helped to light up the town by installing 80 trees on the sides of buildings.

Shop owners have also been busy decorating their windows in an effort to encourage more shoppers to visit.

Photograph: Charlotte Gale Photography.

Diane Watson, owner of Knitting Pretty on Castlegate, said they’re feeling apprehensive and excited to see what today brings.:

“I’ve been desperate to open but now it’s here I’m a little nervous. I don’t know what to expect, it’s a scary time. This is usually my busiest time of the year so missing out on some of it has really hit me. I have such loyal customers so I am hoping for the best.”

Gill Mitchell, owner of Stomp footwear on Market Place, said:

“I’m raring to go I’m just hoping we can stay open for January, we just have to embrace it while we can. As soon as Boris said we can reopen people have waited to see us properly in store. It’s coming alive here in Knaresborough so hopefully more people will come.”

Over lockdown, many shops have moved online to boost the gap in sales. Tracey Bell at Ruebury Flowers offered a delivery service to ensure she wasn’t losing her annual Christmas customers.

She said:

“This lockdown has been completely different, I’ve been busy with orders and trying to do what I can. I am nervous but that’s because it is a difficult time for everyone but everyone in Knaresborough is remaining positive so let’s hope for a good few weeks of trade.”

Read more:

• Harrogate’s independent shops say they have to wait to see numbers of shoppers before opening late. 
• Knaresborough to lose its final bank next year. 

Knaresborough Chamber of Trade has been offering local businesses advice on opening up following the lockdown on their social media and website. Its president, Steve Teggin, said:

“It’s so good we needed this. The town is looking great too and the shopkeepers are really making an effort this tear too, we all want people to come and visit. We have to be careful of course but we can’t wait to reopen.”

The Stray Ferret has been speaking to Independent shops in Harrogate to find out how trade has been going since re-opening on Monday.

Most have introduced safety measures such as reduced numbers in-store at one time and signage to help customers adhere to the 2m rule. People are also being asked to use the hand sanitisers provided as they enter and exit each shop.

Some shops also have plastic screens at the tills, one way systems, floor markings and payment card only policies.

Louise Chesters, owns a clothing store called ‘Dizzy Duck Harrogate’

“I was quite nervous about opening but it’s been amazing… we have had some new faces too… We have only been here since September so during lockdown, I have been able to spread the word, get more followers on social media which has really helped us grow… l will actually continue to do online sales.”

Natalie Smith, Manager at Farrah’s Olde Sweet Shop told the Stray Ferret:

“Monday kicked off really well, yesterday wasn’t the best, but fathers day is a good boost for us, and with the expected good weather this weekend we’re hoping it goes well. I think customers were nervous at first, but word of mouth as the week goes by, is reassuring them that the appropriate measures are in place within the town.”

Tim Ward who runs 27 West Park Antique shop also opened his doors on Monday:

“One woman was jumping up and down at the entrance as she was so happy we were open again… It has been a really good week, much better than we expected.”

Georgie Roberts, co-owner of Georgie’s in Harrogate, which is a clothing shop, told us:

” We have been here over 20 years so we have our regulars which is great, we have also had people travelling from Newcastle and Doncaster to see us, so we are slowly getting back to normal. We are letting people try things on as clothes just look so different off the peg. We are steaming each item after someone has tried it, which is working well.”

Tomorrow will be the first weekend since the re-opening of shops. It is expected that Harrogate town will once again be busy with shoppers.