BUSINESSES are gearing up to open their doors today (Monday) as restrictions begin to ease.

After months of uncertainty, all remaining shops can reopen from today, completing the phased reopening of non-essential retail.

The Hippy Shop in Mold is just one small independent retailer that is keen to open up their doors once again.

RainbowBiz CIC is a multi-award winning social enterprise running several projects, both online through the pandemic and also slowly restarting some projects in person.

This work is primarily funded by the trading arm of the enterprise which is the Hippy Shop in Mold. One-hundred per cent of all profits from sales are reinvested back into the social enterprise to support vulnerable people in the community.

 

The Leader: Sue Oliver and Sarah Way outside of the Hippy Shop in Mold

 

Shop manager Sarah Way said: “We are all so excited to be reopening the Hippy Shop for our customers.

“We have missed everyone so much and tried to keep in touch online as much as possible. However, you can’t beat coming into the shop, smelling the incense and feeling the power of our gorgeous crystal selection."

You will be able to go inside and shop in the Hippy Shop in Mold from Wednesday, April 14 at 10am. The new Hippy Shop hours are Wednesday to Saturday 10am until 4pm.

Although some Government grants have been gladly received, the closure has impacted both financial on the business, but also on the wellbeing of staff, volunteers and customers.

One customer said: “I cannot wait to come and visit the shop again, I’ve missed it so much, the smell of incense and bright colours really cheer me up.”

Ruth Rees, chair of Wrexham Business Group CIC and co-owner of Martin Rees Jewellers said: "It's going to be really good for the area. There's a real feeling of excitement. Reading on social media there's so many people commenting on how they are looking forward to it.

"It's going to be so nice having customers inside our shop again. We've been partly open through it all but it will be great to be able to sell things to customers properly and have them try things on - the proper experience.

"We are anticipating it to be really busy. There is still some apprehension but not nearly as much this time.

"We've got the hang of the covid precautions now and we've had everything in place so we are much more confident. We are more excited this time around rather than concerned and we hope everyone can enjoy a proper experience."

The easing of travel restrictions into and out of Wales will also allow loved ones in differing borders to finally reunite today.

Lynne Chick, from Hawarden, has family who live in England, whom she has only been able to visit once in the last 12-months.

She said: "One of my daughters has since moved into a new flat and we've not been able to go and help because she's in Liverpool so we had to see it over video call which was strange. It's been very strange and hard, just being away from family and not being able to see them.

"It is really good though and I'm looking forward to it but I will still be nervous going out. Even going to the supermarket is really strange. It will be nice and exciting but people will be on edge because we've spent the last 12-months in our homes.

"If people take care and keep their distance then we should get through this okay."

Here is a full list of what will happen today, April 12:

• The full return of children to schools for face-to-face education, all post-16 learners will return to further education and training centres, and university campus’ will be able to open for blended face-to-face/online learning for all students;

• All remaining shops will reopen, completing the phased reopening of non-essential retail;

• All remaining close contact services will open, including mobile services;

• Travel restrictions on travelling into and out of Wales will be lifted. However, restrictions on travel to countries outside the Common Travel Area without a reasonable excuse, remain in place. The Common Travel Area means the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland;

• Wedding ‘show-arounds’ by appointment are allowed;

• Restrictions on political canvassing are removed, subject to canvassers doing so safely.

A Wrexham Glyndwr University spokesman said: "With just a few weeks of scheduled teaching remaining until our main undergraduate assessment period, the university will continue to deliver a learning blend aligned to the Active Learning Framework.

"We continue to operate a Covid-secure campus and are prioritising practical sessions for on-campus teaching. Students are also able to access key facilities such as the library and a range of support services.”

However, not everyone is happy with the announcement.

In England, pubs can open outdoors with the rule of six, whereas in Wales they will not be opening until April 26.

Lynda Leigh, licensee of the George and Dragon in Flint, said this is yet 'another blow' to the industry.

She said: "Words fail me that on Monday all pubs in England will reopen yet we are just 20 minutes away from the border. I am well aware that there will be a huge footfall of people going over the border on Monday and to be fair I don’t blame them as the hospitality sector has been treated abysmally since day one."