Village shop owners to stay open late before national lockdown hits

A GROUP of Milford shop owners have vowed to keep their doors open till late this evening (Wednesday) in an effort to maximise trade before the national lockdown.

The owners of five shops, which will all be required to close because they are classed as non-essential, have come together to host the pre-lockdown late night event.

Clare Southcombe, who owns No 64 interiors shop, revealed the traders conceived the plan yesterday.

She said: “We are all feeling pretty anxious – the run-up to Christmas is always our most important sales period of the year for us, so it has been a huge blow. We decided to join forces to do what we could before we have to close.

“Many shops will have invested huge amounts in festive stock – so they will be facing a big challenge.”

The Old Smithy, No 64, Timeless Fabrics, Milford Cards and Occasions and New Seasons Florist will all continue trading until 8pm this evening and are working on strategies to develop click-and-collect services and online ordering during the lockdown.

Sinan Hisim from Milford Cards and Occasions said: “I don’t have a website but I’ll be working on that today – we will be up and running for click-and-collect in the next couple of days.”

Sarah Argiz from The Old Smithy added: “The community has been amazing in their support for us and we really hope that by opening later this evening we can get some valuable trade. If people don’t support their local shops, many may not be here when all this is over.”