'Please don't default to Amazon': Northampton shops' plea to customers ahead of second lockdown

Northampton's independent shops are calling on the town to help them weather the storm of a second lockdown.

Business owners across England are bracing for another uncertain month following the announcement on Saturday (October 31) of a 'firebreak' four-week coronavirus lockdown.

A crucial difference this time around is that businesses will be allowed to operate click-and-collect services, unlike the full lockdown earlier that began in March.

But while many shops are ready to use the lessons they learned in April and May to stay afloat, Northampton's shops are calling on the town to keep in mind that click-and-collect will only help them if customers remember to use it.

In a message to the town, co-owner of St Giles Street's Mooch gift store Rachel Roberts said: "Please don't default to Amazon.

"From a business perspective the second lockdown is a punch in the stomach. It's a worst case scenario for us: closing just as we head into the Christmas and gift-giving season.

"We're currently loading up out website to carry much more of what we offer.... Please support us and other shops as we all need to come out the other side of this."

The lockdown has come as a heavy blow for several businesses across the town who have launched new ventures since the lockdown ended in June.

It includes Northampton gift shop Bias who opened only moved into their new home in the Grosvenor Centre last month, and the Magic Bean Emporium cafe who held their grand reopening at the train station on Saturday just hours before the lockdown was announced.

Meanwhile, owner of Northampton candle store 'Wax and Melt' Sue Day - who launched a new shop Upton only last week - told the Chron: "When we got put in lockdown the first time our online sales boomed... I've already noticed an uptick in online sales today (November 2).

"My next few days will be making sure everything is online again so we're ready to go. You've just got to not panic.

"The downside for a lot of smaller businesses is you rely on the Christmas boom this time of year, but you've got to think outside the box."

The Government has announced there will a second Covid-19 relief grant for this lockdown, where businesses with a rateable value of more than £51,000 p.a. will be able to claim up to £3,000.

Councillor Brandon Eldred, Northampton Borough Council Cabinet Member for finance, said: “We’ve been preparing for several weeks, in light of rising case numbers, for a move to a higher tier and the economic impact that would have.

“The Government’s announcement at the weekend has accelerated the need for us to implement support for businesses and we’re looking forward to receiving further detail on when funds for grants will be provided and how the process is to be managed.

“As soon as we have this, we’ll use all means at our disposal to ensure businesses understand how they can apply and what information they will need to supply.”