Retailers have called on the government and local MPs to provide them with more consistent support during the coronavirus pandemic.
During the outbreak, independent retailers took extra measures in ensuring their communities had access to essential food and drink, such as spending time searching for an alternative supply, as well as offering delivery services to reach vulnerable customers.
Blakemore MD: acting quickly secured availability
Some retailers criticised the government for praising the supermarkets’ response to the coronavirus pandemic, while ignoring the efforts of independent retailers.
One retailer, who asked not to be named, said: “Hundreds wouldn’t have been fed if it wasn’t for our store, but the government hasn’t understood the role of independents. My MP isn’t great at connecting and we’ve been trying to arrange store visits, but it’s been really slow.”
Tory rebellion to protect local shops sinks government’s Sunday trading changes
However, some retailers praised the efforts of their local MPs. Sunder Sandher, of One Stop Working with the Royals in Leamington Spa said: “My MP Matt Western has voiced his support against scrapping Sunday trading laws directly to me because it would affect independent retailers severely.”
Paul Cheema of Nisa Malcolm’s in Coventry added: “West Midlands mayor Andy Street came to my store and said that independents were the lifeblood during this outbreak.”
Find out more on our coronavirus information hub for retailers
Comments
This article doesn't have any comments yet, be the first!