Edinburgh shoppers share experiences of being back on the high street as shops reopen

Some non-essential shops reopened today for the first time in months.

Shoppers shared their experiences of being able to hit the high street once again as non-essential stores reopened across the city.

During phase two of lockdown, all retail has been allowed to resume service provided the businesses have a front and back door for public access, and social distancing measures are in place.

Queues built up outside main high street brands which have been boarded up for months since the pandemic hit the UK in March.

Shoppers queue up outside Primark as non-essential retail reopens across Edinburgh for the first time in months

Anya Gonzalez, from Portobello, queued up outside Primark in Princes Street with her sister Erica, 20.

“I just can’t wait to actually try something on before I buy it,” the 24-year-old said.

“It’s been efficient buying things online, but when it comes to clothes it’s actually such a faff and I prefer trying things on before buying them.

“It’s weird seeing people out and about like this to be honest, it’s a pretty big moment for the country I think because with shops reopening brings back a sense of normality that we have been needing.”

Edinburgh resident Nigel Cree visited the Apple store in Princes Street for the first time since lockdown.

He said new measures were in place which made the shopping experience a bit “surreal.”

“Staff take your temperature before you head in, which is a little bizarre,” he said.

“You’re then given the option to wear a mask, but I had my own already.

“And there was a new space outside for social distance queuing, so it’s certainly a different experience back at the shops.

“It’s all a bit surreal really.”

Pals Elodie Petit, 38, and Sophie Howarth, 27, met up in the city centre for a coffee as shops reopened for the first time in months.

Neither said they had any desire to hit the high street, but seeing crowds entering the shops brings back a sense of normality.

“I personally haven’t actually missed shopping, and seeing people going in and out of shops hasn’t given me any sort of feeling of wanting to go back to them,” Elodie said.

“I have a few things that I want to return, so it’s useful they’re open now, but that’s really all I intend on using them for.”

Sophie said since lockdown she has preferred supporting small retail businesses compared to high street brands during lockdown.

“I think these businesses closing has changed my view on where I am going to buy things from now on. I would rather shop in small independent businesses than the high street.”

Cara Milligan and her husband Gary, both from Northfield, were excited to get to the shops to find a pair of shoes to fit their three-year-old daughter Maisie.

“Her feet have just gotten so big during lockdown, it’s quite amazing how fast they have grown, so we are a bit desperate to get to the shops for her to try something on,” Cara said.

“Buying her shoes is not something we like to do online because we want them to get fitted and measured properly in person, so it’s been great heading to the shops.

“Apart from that though I personally haven’t missed them, and won’t be using them for much else as I do most of it online now.”