Harveys of Halifax boss cautiously optimistic as they prepare to welcome back shoppers.

From Monday non-essential shops will be able to reopen if they meet the Government’s requirements.

One of the cornerstone of independent businesses in Halifax town centre will be a family-run department store which opens it doors on June 15 for the first time since March.

Tracy Harvey, managing director of Harveys of Halifax, said they are a bit apprehensive but cautiously optimistic in opening.

Due to the building’s layout there will be a limit on numbers into each area she said.

“We have been still trying to offer customers what we can online and offering home deliveries and that has kept us busy. We are doing all we can to protect staff by installing screens and introducing hand sanitisers at the entrances.

“We have tried to put together a selection of products of what people need.

“So items such as walking boots and clothes rather than evening dresses you would wear to the theatre.

“The most important thing is people still protect themselves but also taking the first steps in opening and getting staff back into work.

“We have been here since 1926 so it is nearly our centenary and we want to make sure we are still here for that.

“Everyone, including ourselves, will be offering a service but in a slightly different way

”We all have to adjust at the moment and I am sure customers will adhere to the new rules that have been put in place.

”At the end of the day we are all in this together.”

“Although initially, Harveys will feel quite different to the place you remember, you can be sure of a warm welcome.”

Phase One will see Harveys open the cosmetics department, home and gift and the new summer shop.

The department store will be operating a two metre distancing policy inside the store and be asking customes to sanitise their hands on entering.

Customers are being asked to use cards for payments, rather than cash.

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