Retailers rejoice as business clamps begin to ease

Thousands of retailers are thrilled to be ditching “click and collect” and welcoming customers back into their stores.

Struggling retailers will throw open their doors while pubs and cafes will swell with more customers when the state hits its next vaccine target in time for the Melbourne Cup long weekend.

Premier Daniel Andrews has locked in a further easing of restrictions on businesses, to be triggered when the state hits 80 per cent full vaccination, from 6pm on Friday.

It means indoor retail will finally open, while hospitality will welcome more guests under density quotas. Up to 500 people will also be able to dine and drink outdoors.

In a major shake-up, capacity and density limits will be removed when 90 per cent of the population aged over 12 is fully vaccinated, expected to be on November 24.

Australian Retailers Association chief executive Paul Zahra welcomed the updated Victorian roadmap and earlier reopening for shops only able to trade outdoors under current rules.

“Every day counts for retail as we enter the most important trading period of the year – particularly for small businesses on the brink of collapse,” Mr Zahra said.

“Victorian retailers were losing $55.2m a day in retail trade as a result of the most ­recent lockdown. Most discretionary retailers make up to two-thirds of their annual profits during the all-important Christmas trading period, so we need to ensure they can open and trade at their full ­potential.”

Chapel St Bazaar, manager Kieron Ogden at his quirky store, which is set to be able to open for indoor retail from this Friday. Picture: Tony Gough

Victorians are forecast to spend $15.4bn in the pre-Christmas sales period – a 1.3 per cent jump on last year and a significant increase on pre-pandemic figures.

Chapel Street Bazaar retail manager Kieron Ogden said he was thrilled to know customers would soon be exploring its stalls.

“Click and collect is not a fundamental part of our business,” Mr Ogden said.

“People prefer a more tactile approach. They like to put their hands on items.

“They will buy something they didn’t realise they actually needed.”

Crown Melbourne will this week throw open the doors to its ­entire complex, which houses celebrated restaurants such as Nobu and Bistro Guillaume.

Those longing for a much-needed staycation can book in to have a getaway at one of Crown’s three hotels.

Chapel St Bazaar, Stall holder Russell Jacobi in his quirky vintage/antiques stall, which is set to be able to open for indoor shopping from this Friday. Picture: Tony Gough

Crown Melbourne chief operating officer Peter Crinis said he was looking forward to welcoming more guests and employees back, and seeing the city and Crown come alive.

“Melbourne, has been hit hard by Covid,” Mr Crinis said.

“Now it’s time for Melburnians to get out and enjoy summer in a Covid-safe manner.”

“A vibrant, well-supported hospitality industry is critical for Melbourne’s recovery, so I urge all Melburnians to not just come to Crown, but to get out there and support the ­restaurant and bar industry right across this city as we begin to open up.”

Gradi Crown head chef Johnny Di Francesco said the “sense of relief has been ­astounding”.

“What better way to commence celebrations than with a big bowl of pasta from Gradi at Crown,” he said.

INDUSTRY CHEERS FULL-CAPACITY PLAN

Arts and entertainment sector leaders say Victoria is back in business with predictions of “halcyon days” ahead as venues, theatres, stadiums, pubs, clubs and festivals prepare to return to full capacity crowds in November.

“The future is really bright for Victoria to return to live entertainment,” Live Nation Australia boss, Roger Field, said.

“This is the most encouraging period we’ve seen in two years. I really get a sense we’re on the way out of restrictions for good, and the entertainment sector is being considered properly as part of that plan.”

His comments came after Premier Daniel Andrews announced a further lifting of restrictions from Friday.

Indoor seated venues, including theatres and cinemas, will reopen to 75 per cent capacity. Non-seated venues will have no caps, but must adhere to one person per 4sq m density rules.

Stadiums and other outdoor entertainment venues can host up to 5000 people. Music festivals can have 5000 people or more with a permit.

Punters will be able toa attend the Boxing Day Test match.

When Victoria hits 90 per cent vaccination targets in late November, density limits and crowd caps will be dropped.

The Premier also said he hoped 80,000 could attend the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

Jason Marriner, chief executive of Marriner Group, which owns the Regent, Princess, Comedy and Forum theatres, said his venues were ready to welcome back audiences.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will return to the Princess Theatre on November 18. Frozen The Musical, at Her Majesty’s, and Moulin Rouge, at the Regent, will announce opening dates soon.

“Melbourne is in dire need for some feel-good stories,” Mr Marriner said. “Melbourne will come back strongly with some great shows.

“There are so many artists waiting to tour confidently.

Marriner Theatres boss Jason Marriner. Picture: Tim Carrafa

“Once we get the green light, there will be so much on offer. It will be halcyon days.”

Harry Potter’s Australian producer Michael Cassel said the announcements were “fantastic news” for the state.

He added: “We can’t wait to welcome our first audiences back. It’s going to mark a celebratory moment that live theatre is back in Victoria.”

Melbourne’s “night mayor” James Young said the city was ready to reclaim its status as the world’s live entertainment capital.

Mr Young, who owns the Cherry Bar and chairs the Melbourne City Council’s night economy advisory team, said: “Melbourne has given and Melbourne has risen.”

Bianca Dawson, chief operating officer at Sandhill Road, which owns the Espy, said the popular St Kilda venue was ready to rock.

“The vibe is fantastic,” Ms Dawson said. “ Everyone is excited and genuinely thrilled.”

Meanwhile, as cinemas reopen, movies ready for release include Daniel Craig’s final turn as James Bond in No Time To Die, and Marvel Studio’s Eternals and Venom: Let There Be Carnage.

Originally published as Retailers rejoice as business clamps begin to ease