Myer to open seven stores in bold move as coronavirus lockdown eases

An easing in social distancing restrictions has allowed the department store to begin planning for post-pandemic operations.

Signs of life are beginning to slowly emerge from the embattled retail sector after Myer announced it will reopen seven stores across Queensland and New South Wales on the weekend.

The department store chain had its own struggles before the coronavirus pandemic ground the economy to a halt and forced it to close its entire national network in March, standing down more than 10,000 workers.

This morning, the company announced it would open Chermside, Carindale, North Lakes, Townsville and Toowoomba sites on a trial basis from Friday as the Sunshine State eases social distancing restrictions.

It later revealed the Bankstown and Liverpool stores in Sydney would open from Saturday.

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Myer has said the reopening of the stores is part of the chain’s staged plan to get the business rolling again, taking in changes each state is making with regards to the rules to stop the spread of the deadly pandemic.

“Our priority continues to be the health and wellbeing of our customers and team members and to assist and support governments in limiting the spread of COVID-19,” a company spokesperson said in a statement.

“In line with the easing of restrictions in Queensland, we look forward to trialling the opening of five Queensland stores, providing our customers with great brands at great value, in a safe shopping environment.”

The company said it will prioritise a safe working and shopping environment through the increased frequency of cleaning, protective items for staff such as face masks and gloves, social distancing measures and hand sanitiser available for customers.

Some services will remain suspended including beauty appointments, changing rooms as well as suit, shoe and intimate apparel fittings.

Online shopping is available nationally through myer.com.au and some stores have incorporated click and collect operations.

Retail institutions have resembled a ghost town since the coronavirus-induced lockdown. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

SPENDING JUMPED BEFORE LOCKDOWN

Retail spending across Australia jumped 8.5 per cent in March as consumers stockpiled food and office supplies in anticipation of coronavirus lockdown measures.

Seasonally adjusted retail spending rose to $30.11 billion and followed a rise of 0.6 per cent in February, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data released on Wednesday.

The result helped retail sales volumes lift 0.7 per cent for the March quarter to a total of $80.72 billion.

The monthly number bettered an optimistic market expectation, with analysts forecasting an 8 per cent rise in March.

The result was driven by unprecedented demand in food retailing, with spending on groceries, liquor and specialised food up between 23 per cent and 30 per cent.

And yes, we did do a bit of panic buying... pic.twitter.com/ZUqeh7JCMP

— Greg Jericho (@GrogsGamut) May 6, 2020

Spends on household goods also rose sharply, led by increases in hardware, building and garden supplies (17.4 per cent), and electrical and electronic goods (11.3 per cent).

However, the impact of social distancing regulations – introduced in late March – saw sales fall in cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services, while discretionary spending on clothing, footwear and in department stores was also weak.

Spending on clothing slid by a quarter in March, while spending at department stores fell 8.9 per cent.

Online retail contributed 7.1 per cent to the total retail turnover in March, up from 5.7 per cent a year earlier.

Quarterly retail spending was also boosted by the March numbers, although high food prices moderated retail volumes, the ABS data showed.