Shop local and support Melton (part 1)

As traders open up again this week across Melton borough following the coronavirus lockdown it’s never been more important to shop local.
Melton Antiques and Collectables, Melton, reopens after lockdown
PHOTO WHITEHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY EMN-200616-185345001Melton Antiques and Collectables, Melton, reopens after lockdown
PHOTO WHITEHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY EMN-200616-185345001
Melton Antiques and Collectables, Melton, reopens after lockdown PHOTO WHITEHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY EMN-200616-185345001

Shoppers have returned to the town centre in their numbers this week as non-essential stores were given the green light to finally take the ‘closed’ signs down off their doors.

Nine out of 10 of them were able to open for the first time since March.

But they are all relying on Melton people supporting them if they are going to recover from the business lost over the last three months.

Melton Sports, Melton, reopens after lockdown
PHOTO WHITEHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY EMN-200616-185358001Melton Sports, Melton, reopens after lockdown
PHOTO WHITEHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY EMN-200616-185358001
Melton Sports, Melton, reopens after lockdown PHOTO WHITEHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY EMN-200616-185358001

In this special feature, we are grateful to Whitehouse Photography, of Church Street, Melton, for supplying photos of many of the traders who have opened up again for business this week.

Shelagh Core, manager of Melton BID, which seeks to energise and promote the town centre, told the Melton Times: “We are delighted to see the reopening of the non-essential businesses in the town centre this week, with 90 per cent of those that can reopen opening.

“It has been an incredibly challenging time for businesses and traders over the last few months, but during this time Melton businesses have been extremely creative and active, offering free delivery services, diversifying their offer and selling online.

“During lockdown, we have seen a 30 per cent increase in businesses online and many of the independents are continuing with their delivery service after reopening.”

Foxy Lots, Melton, reopens after lockdown
PHOTO WHITEHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY EMN-200616-185257001Foxy Lots, Melton, reopens after lockdown
PHOTO WHITEHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY EMN-200616-185257001
Foxy Lots, Melton, reopens after lockdown PHOTO WHITEHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY EMN-200616-185257001

The BID team is able to analyse shopping patterns in the town centre through statistics from their footfall counter.

They show a marked dropped in the numbers of people in town as people were told to socially distance themselves from others and an recent increase with the easing of restrictions.

Mrs Core said: “As we entered lockdown, footfall in March fell by 22 per cent, with a further fall of 62 per cent in April as the messaging to stay home was observed.

“However, relaxation in lockdown restrictions, the bank holiday and good weather in May showed an increase of 30 per cent in footfall.

Baubles and Bangles, Melton, reopens after lockdown
PHOTO WHITEHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY EMN-200616-185119001Baubles and Bangles, Melton, reopens after lockdown
PHOTO WHITEHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY EMN-200616-185119001
Baubles and Bangles, Melton, reopens after lockdown PHOTO WHITEHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY EMN-200616-185119001

“As markets reopened in full on June 1, footfall in the town centre increased that week by 10 per cent, with an increase of 15 per cent on Monday when non-essential retail reopened.”

An incredible amount of work has been taken by town businesses to enable them to reopen safely for both staff and customers with social distancing measures being put in place and, in some cases, employees wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks and gloves.

The BID has also been working closely with Melton Borough Council and the Melton Mowbray Town Estate over the last month to support a safe and phased reopening of the market and shops.

This has included social distancing signage and two-metre floor queue markings throughout the town.

Cardzone, Melton, reopens after lockdown
PHOTO WHITEHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY EMN-200616-185133001Cardzone, Melton, reopens after lockdown
PHOTO WHITEHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY EMN-200616-185133001
Cardzone, Melton, reopens after lockdown PHOTO WHITEHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY EMN-200616-185133001

More signage is to go up throughout the town centre over the next week.

The BID has also been supporting with free internal social distancing floor markers and the £250 BID Business Support Grant Scheme has been extended to include spend on items such as PPE, social distancing signage and screens.

A high street survey was carried out in Melton which showed local people have missed socialising with others in pubs, cafes and restaurants most during lockdown.

Mrs Core said: “The survey sought to assess perceptions on the high street and what people missed most.

“Positively, results showed that the social aspects of the town centre were missed the most, such as eating out in restaurants, meeting friends for coffee and that on reopening, they would support the local community and local businesses more.”

She added: “It is important that Melton people shop local.

CEX Entertainment Exchange, Melton, reopens after lockdown
PHOTO WHITEHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY EMN-200616-185145001CEX Entertainment Exchange, Melton, reopens after lockdown
PHOTO WHITEHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY EMN-200616-185145001
CEX Entertainment Exchange, Melton, reopens after lockdown PHOTO WHITEHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY EMN-200616-185145001

“As we await the final reopening of our pubs, restaurants, coffee shops, hairdressers and gyms, please also support them online.”

A directory of the town centre businesses can be found on the Melton Town Guide app - with links to their websites and social media - which can be downloaded free.

So if you are popping out to shop this weekend, why not have a wander around Melton and support some of our local businesses as they strive to get back on their feet.

***We are limited to how many photos we can post on stories so look out for Part 2 of this feature showing more of our traders who are open again for business.

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