I know I like to repeat myself, but this is getting ridiculous – I’m like a stuck record – but, FOR the record, here we go!

The full list of businesses required to close can be found in the guidance on closing certain businesses and venues in England, but includes:

non-essential retail, such as clothing and homeware stores, vehicle showrooms (other than for rental), betting shops, tailors, tobacco and vape shops, electronic goods and mobile phone shops, auction houses (except for auctions of livestock or agricultural equipment) and market stalls selling non-essential goods. These venues can continue to be able to operate click-and-collect (where goods are pre-ordered and collected off the premises) and delivery services.

Of course I am bitterly disappointed that it has come to this again, not only for myself, but for all my fellow independents trying to get by and retain their businesses.  I can’t say it has come as a surprise, I think we all saw it coming.  It’s going to take strength of character and determination to see us through another lockdown.  We simply have to keep going.

My thoughts are with the front line workers – what they are coping with now is worse than it has ever been since the start of the pandemic – this new variant being up to 70% more transmissible and hospital admissions up by 40% – it is up to us to help them – too many lives have already been lost.  I want to scream from the rooftops “PLEASE STAY AT HOME AND DON’T TAKE UNNECESSARY RISKS”

Some of the stories covered on the media are heartbreaking – for goodness sake, if we stand still, the virus will stand still – it’s a simple formula really.  And let’s not forget all the other key workers and volunteers keeping our economy moving.  Enough said.

In the meantime, we still need to earn a living and try to make sales however we can.  The sale is ongoing with 25% off everything.  As before, Click and Collect is still an option – or delivery is free on purchases over £50. If you are local and would prefer us to hand deliver, we are happy to do so.  Rest assured that we remain very strict with our safety policy, wearing masks, keeping our distance and washing our hands.

I wish I had something more positive to say – just keep strong, be grateful and stay safe. As always, sending you lots of love and best wishes.