Northampton music shop hopes to hit all the right notes for much-anticipated reopening next week

The father-and-son team behind a Northampton music shop are used to moving with the times so they are well-prepared to welcome back customers on Monday (June 15).

St Giles Music has been selling instruments and providing music lessons to the public since Phil Job established the store in 1989.

Phil and his son, Simon, have been busy making the St Giles’ Terrace shop coronavirus-safe with hand sanitisers, a one-way system, PPE and even getting Jools Holland involved.

"We've had the Jools cutout for a while now so we've got some social-distancing comments on him for some fun," Simon said.

"It's about making sure everyone understands we're doing everything right to be able to open."

St Giles Music has been shut since March, like all other non-essential businesses during the coronavirus lockdown.

The music teachers have been furloughed and the owners have not taken any wages but they have been continuing with orders online - with Simon doing the deliveries.

"I think having that face-to-face conversation is important to remind people we're here and to speak to those who are isolated," he said.

"It's been difficult but we're muddling through it until we get back to normal - or some sort of normal."

One of the main differences for St Giles Music customers is that they will not be able to try any of the woodwind and brass instruments for hygienic reasons.

But all of the strings, percussion and keyboards will be available to test, with each one cleaned after every use, according to Simon.

Shoppers will be limited to two at a time but anyone waiting can do so in the reception area rather than waiting outside.

Music lessons from eight teachers and around 200 pupils will remain on hold until at least July but Simon said it depended on Government guidelines.

Simon said: "It's good to get things back to normal, I've been working from home for months so it will be nice to get everything back into the shop as it takes over your life.

"It will be nice to open the doors and see people again rather than talking to them over the phone as it makes all the difference."