Portsmouth retailers desperate for support upon reopening after 'doom and gloom' of second lockdown

The government has announced that Portsmouth will be placed into tier two for coronavirus restrictions, as the nationwide lockdown comes to an end on December 2.

This means that indoor shops will be allowed to reopen ahead of the Christmas period.

For many retailers, this is the busiest time of the year, as shoppers descend to find gifts for loved ones.

But some traders are concerned that if further lockdowns come after Christmas, it could spell disaster for smaller businesses.

Tony Duke owns Head Case Curios in Albert Road, Southsea, and recently signed a new lease on his building.

He is optimistic about the festive season, but has urged shoppers to support local independents.

‘It’s been a really challenging year,’ he admitted.

‘Albert Road looks really gloomy because everyone has had their shutters down. Hopefully this news will breathe some life into the area again.

‘It’s really important to shop local at the moment – we don’t have the huge bank accounts of the chain retailers so need all the help we can get.

‘At the moment we’re doing okay; we’ve been putting the shutters up and have put Christmas decorations inside the shop to remind everyone that we’re still here.’

Mr Duke says his business will survive in the short-term, but if lockdown measures continue for another six to nine months, he could be in trouble.

One company that has performed well is kawaii shop Tofu Cute, based in Kingston Road, Fratton.

The business has a strong online presence that has kept things churning while the shop itself has been shut.

But manager Laska Goldsack knows she has been one of the lucky ones, and says the reopening of shops will be a ‘life-saver’ for many traders.

She said: ‘So many businesses have really lost out because of the lockdown.

‘It has been a real struggle for them and to have the shops reopening is so important.

‘Independent retailers are very special, and they’ve really done all they can to adapt and be creative in these times.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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