Retailers ' disappointment at missing out on Easter trading

The British Independent Retailers Association has expressed disappointment that non-essential retailers will not be able to reopen in England until at least 12 April.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined his 'road map ' to recovery from national lockdown conditions this afternoon. The plan included non-essential retail, hairdressers and gyms reopening on 12 April, as long as conditions are met.

However, Bira 's CEO Andrew Goodacre (pictured) said it was disappointing non-essential retailers would miss out on the Easter trading period.

He said: “Whilst it is good for us to have a date, we are very disappointed that non-essential shops will miss the Easter period, especially as they also missed out on most of the busy festive period.

“We therefore want the Chancellor to recognise this in the Budget next week and make clear statements about the support that will be available for the next 12 months.

“Independent retailers are desperate to be open and serving their communities - they have always been safe and will continue to be so.

“In the meantime we have large general retailers, and garden centres free to trade despite only selling a small amount of essential items with the prospect of being free form competition for the next seven weeks. ”