Record Stores In England Will Be Allowed To Open Again From Monday

With the news that non-essential retail shops are going to be allowed to open in England from Monday, some record stores are now gearing up to welcome in customers following coronavirus lockdown.

After the reopening of outdoor markets and car showrooms earlier in the month, business secretary Alok Sharma confirmed during the daily coronavirus briefing that other shops may now begin the process of opening again as of June 15 – as long as they follow government safety and social distancing rules, and carry out a risk assessment.

“Thanks to the ongoing efforts of people across the country, we continue to meet the five tests set out in the prime minister’s roadmap, and the R rate continues to stay below 1,” he said.

“So I can confirm today that retail outlets which have been required to be closed will be able to open their doors from Monday, June 15. This is the latest step in the careful restarting of our economy, and will allow high streets up and down the country to spring back to life.”

It doesn't mean that all record stores will be instantly jumping at the chance to reopen, however. Kingston's excellent Banquet Records took to social media to state, "We're keeping our doors closed," but adding that, "Not being able to browse, to social distance effectively, or manage queues on Eden St, we're offering a Car Park Collection service to the rear of Banquet instead."

Elsewhere in London, Rough Trade, All Ages Records, Sister Ray, Sounds Of The Suburbs and Kristina Records have announced reopening strategies (via the Evening Standard), though have all detailed their own schedules and codes of conduct within the stores.

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