Here’s when charity shops will open - and the new safety measures in place for donations

Lockdown restrictions are beginning to slowly ease around the UK, but when will charity shops open again?

Here’s what you need to know.

When will charity shops open?

In England, charity shops, along with other non-essential retailers, will be reopening on 15 June, in line with government guidance.

However, they face a number of new challenges as all new donations will have to be quarantined for 72 hours before they can be displayed on the shop floor.

Charity shops are also expecting an influx of donated items, with people having clear outs during the lockdown period.

Barnardo's is advising customers to call their local store before donating in order to ensure that the shop is able to take the items and to help manage the expected influx of donations.

This currently only applies to England at this stage and further guidance will be issued for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales by their respective governments.

In Scotland, small retail units could begin to reopen in phase two of the route map laid out by the Scottish government.

The map explained that these stores would have to implement “physical distancing” measures in order to provide a safe environment for shoppers.

These measures could include limiting how many shoppers are in the store at one time, placing distance markers on the floor and other hygiene measures like plastic screens in front of tills.

Larger retail stores would be able to open their doors, with physical distancing measures put in place, in phase three.

What are non-essential shops?

Non-essential retailers include shops selling clothes, toys, furniture, shoes, books, electronics, alongside tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets.

However, hairdressers and nail salons are not included in this and are not expected to open until July at the earliest.

How has the lockdown impacted retail?

The temporary closure of clothes stores during lockdown has had a significant impact on businesses, with clothing outlets Oasis and Warehouse closing permanently, resulting in the loss of 1,800 jobs.

Debenhams also entered into administration for the second time in a year in April, forcing some of its branches to stay shut permanently.