Chancellor Rishi Sunak has insisted it will be "safe" for members of the public to go shopping from Monday, amid concerns around how social distancing will play out in shopping centres and high streets across the country.
Sunak said new "Covid-ready" measures, which include 72-hour hold times on returned goods and signs on shop windows, will help safeguard members of the public as the economy picks up again following a 10-week lockdown.
"If you look around a store, they have taken extraordinary steps to ensure that experience is safe for people," he told ITV News.
"One way systems and lots of signage has helped to create a new shopping environment.
"It means you can shop in confidence and you can shop knowing it is going to keep you and your families safe from a health perspective".
John Lewis, Debenhams, Topshop and H&M are amongst those that will return with floor markings and revised returns policies in place.
However, staff won't legally be required to wear PPE and shoppers will be able to visit stores without face coverings.
The new "Covid-ready" measures include a one way system, a limit on the number of people who can be in the store at any one time, signage, a new process for returns and social distancing.
But retail analysts at EY Future have warned that seven in 10 people still feel uncomfortable about returning to the high street.
A further eight in 10 said they would not try on clothes if given the opportunity to do so.
"All of that creates a new shopping environment that won't be the same as what we're all used to and it's an environment that means you can shop in confidence," Sunak said.
A Downing Street official said: "People are continuing to make huge sacrifices to reduce the spread of coronavirus and avoid a second spike, but we know it is tough and where we can safely open up more attractions, and it is supported by the science, we will do so.”"
Any business that opens must complete a "specific risk assessment and take the necessary steps to manage those risks, as is the legal obligation", Sunak added.
Business secretary Alok Sharma said the government is following its roadmap which sets out the "ambition" to reopen other business - such as "restaurants, pubs, and bars, as well as hairdressers, barbers, nail bars and related services" - by July 4 at the earliest.
