What to expect as Yorkshire’s independent fashion and wedding shops reopen their doors

Have we lost the taste for fashion shopping in the flesh? This is the question that retailers are pondering as they open their doors for the first time since lockdown began in March.

While many independent retailers have taken the opportunity to improve their online presence, most say they have missed face-to-face contact with customers and the excitement of the retail environment. And they hope that shoppers feel the same way.

In Leeds, Helen Sykes Fashions plans to reopen on June 18, with reduced days of Thursday to Saturday on an appointment basis. “We see this situation as a new challenge,” said Natalie Jackson. “Life is ever changing and we simply have to adapt to new obstacles. The safety of our employees and customers will always be our priority.

“Now the service will be even more individual, with only two clients in our huge shop at any one time, each with their own personal large fitting room. We request that all clients and employees wear a mask and sanitise their hands on arrival. Any garment that has been tried on by a client will have a delay before it is returned into stock.”

Natalie pointed out that small weddings may start again from this month. “Usually the stock comes and goes but with our temporary closure, never before have we had such a vast choice,” she said.

Over in Harrogate, Snooty Frox plans to reopen on Wednesday with a booking system for its occasionwear. Owner Hilary Haresign said: “Casual wear and homeware customers are invited to come into the store with no appointment necessary. There will be a maximum of three customers allowed into these areas at any one time for a maximum visit of half an hour.

“The number of online bookings taken so far has been very encouraging.”

Harveys of Halifax plans to open on Monday, with opening times of 10am-4pm (not Sunday). Operations manager Christine Gow said customers will enter via external doors to each department. “What is an unknown to us is how many of our customers will want to shop with us,” she said. “However, we are reacting to this by being ready to bring in more staff if and when needed and also being ready to react to what our customers are wanting, which may mean having to change our offering.”

Keighley-based Brook Taverner, which has a shop in Northallerton, said it would offer complimentary gloves, hand gel and masks for customers who want them. “We’re looking forward to some sense of normality,” a spokesperson said. “Our range of semi-structured jackets are expected to lead the way for the rest of the year, thanks to more casual events. We’re also predicting knitwear to be king as we see more staycations and holidays within the UK.”

Meanwhile, Barkers of Northallerton said it had worked hard on directional signage. “Our store is spread across two floors, and is an old building. We’ve made all the staircases one-way, as well as a one-way system into the building,” a spokesperson said.

Leeds-based wedding designer Anita Massarella said she looked forward to welcoming brides and special occasion customers with individual appointments. “The reopening is a whole new beginning,” she said. “I think that people will be going for a much more relaxed, laid-back style. I think people will forget about corporate dressing and it will be gone for good.”

Paul Stocks, owner of Keith James Menswear in Horsforth, said: “Initially we are going to allocate one day a week for personal shopping by appointment, then have shorter opening hours on the other days. Personally I think the smaller independent stores will seem more appealing places to shop.”

In Harrogate, Jillian Welch, of bespoke special occasion shop Jillian Welch Design, said she would reopen with a mixture of excitement, joy and trepidation. “The lockdown has been a challenge for us, as for all small businesses, but it has provided a period of quiet reflection for me as a designer. I think I am coming back renewed, with a fresh enthusiasm and of course, a lot of new ideas.”

Also in Harrogate, Sara Shaw, owner of pre-loved designer shop Violet Store, said she understood there would be some nervousness from customers. “It’s not going to be easy but I do think there is a cautious appetite for our customers to come out shopping again,” she added.

In Clapham in the Dales, Edward Sexton, of countrywear brand Glencroft, said he planned to reopen its warehouse factory shop. “Our intention is to have three boxes. We fill one up with stock to quarantine from that day, then at the end of three days put them back in stock and so on. We’ll also encourage people to pack their own purchases.”

In Bedale, Frimble shop owner Sophie Osborne said she was looking forward to opening on June 15. “We are so excited to get back into the shop, to see our lovely customers again and to show our new products which have been hidden away.”

The Shambles Market will also reopen on Monday. Clare Morris, of Copper & White, said traders had received an information pack detailing the measures that will be put in place. “We have no worries with regards to opening,” she said. “We’re also very lucky to be outside where the risk of transmission is much lower.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing other traders and our lovely customers. It’s been such a long time and initially we just want to know everyone is OK and that they have weathered the storm.”

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