Myer slowly reopening as businesses get back to normal
Retail giant Myer is beginning the process of returning to normal life this weekend when two stores reopen. Find out which stores here.
NSW
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Myer is reopening two of its NSW stores this weekend under strict regulations, after they shut up shop due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The organisation will trial the opening at Bankstown and Liverpool from this Saturday, with social distancing and safety measures in place.
But the store will be different to what we remember, with change rooms closed, sneeze guards in place and contactless payments encouraged.
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Beauty appointments, intimate apparel fittings, suit fittings and shoe fittings will remain suspended. Hand sanitiser will be available to customers.
Myer will also trial the opening of five Queensland stores from this Friday including Chermside, Carindale, North Lakes, Townsville and Toowoomba.
A Myer spokesperson said they were looking forward to reopening.
“Myer has made the further decision today to open two New South Wales stores, and we look forward to welcoming local customers back to these stores, with great brands, at great value, in a safe shopping environment,” the spokesperson said.
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is positive the worst of the storm has passed for businesses.
“March was the eye of the COVID-19 storm for retailers, with all but essential service retailers forced into closure of their physical stores during lockdown,” ARA chief executive officer Paul Zahra said.
“Whilst that pain of closure has continued during April and into May, we have seen some gentle upside begin as many stores enhance their online and delivery services.
“We expect Australians to soon celebrate their freedom with one of their favourite leisure activities, shopping, but we do anticipate continued caution by consumers for some months forward as they assess overall economic conditions.”
In line with the lockdown, online sales have skyrocketed according to newly released Australian Bureau of Statistics figures from March.
The data also shows more spending year-on-year across food (+27.2 per cent), liquor (+33.9 per cent) and pharmacy (+29.4 per cent) categories, with a boost in household goods (+10. per cent) as Australian stocked up on additional items.