By India Gustin, Florentina-Mirela Cercel, Ole Ho Christiansen, Carolina Pedras-Botella, M. Victoria Calabrese
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – but maybe not, if you are trying to make a profit over Christmas…
Tier Three restrictions are destined to have a huge impact on many businesses over this festive period.
Retail businesses are preparing for reduced sales over the festive season as London enters Tier 3 from Wednesday.
While shops are allowed to remain open, people are encouraged to stay home and the stores themselves can only allow a certain number of people to enter at one time, due to the need for social distancing.
This could impact sales, especially right before Christmas.
“We have had to inform customers that our boutique will remain open,” said founder of Pop London, Shazia Saleem.
“However, I believe sales will suffer as people might be afraid to go out or many customers are isolating before visiting family over Christmas.”
Tourist areas are particularly affected according to Christian Jonson, a sales assistant working at Roki Camden.
“It’s been pretty dead for a while, Camden is a touristy area so it’s slowed us down quite a bit. The market is really struggling as well. It’s a shame really.”
However this won’t affect everyone. Businesses operating from home will continue to work as usual. Claudia Mihaela Cercel, owner of Jeune Candles, depends on the Post Office to mail out orders.
“I work from home so it won’t really affect me, unless the Post Office will be closing, that will be a big setback,” she said.
Going into Tier 3 will create big complications for retail businesses all over London who may rely on the Christmas shopping craze to make a profit. Amazon might be laughing all the way to the bank…
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