Primark, Lush and Zara are all officially back open after England’s month-long second lockdown.
With non-essential stores, including those selling clothes, toys, shoes, books and more allowed to reopen from today, shopping in the city centre already looks completely different to just weeks ago when streets were bare and there wasn’t a shopper in sight.
While there is a marked difference from the last time lockdown was over, which saw giant queues across the city, the streets were still filled with people despite the rain.
We took a trip into Liverpool city centre today to check out all the differences you’ll notice when shopping after lockdown.
Most of your favourite shops are back
Non-essential stores, including the likes of Primark, Zara, Card Factory, Morphe and more are now open.
Here’s a full list of all the businesses allowed to open again from today, December 2.
So are the queues
Last time lockdown was lifted, shoppers descended on the city centre in a rush to get their hands on all the things they’d been dreaming of since March.
This time, it seemed shoppers were less inclined to stand in huge queues, instead heading into the city centre in dribs and drabs.
Perhaps some were put off by the wet weather, or maybe even how big the queues were the last time around, but that doesn’t mean shoppers weren’t eager to get back to stores.
They just decided to wait out the rain instead.
Stores are more prepared this time
Last time lockdown was lifted, stores were hit with huge demand and some weren’t quite prepared for how it would go.
They’d clearly learned their lesson, since this time around there were barriers and staff at the doors, ready and waiting for an influx of customers.
Face masks are a must
Face masks are now mandatory in all stores in England.
While many people chose to forgo a face mask while walking around the city centre today, staff at the entrances of stores were encouraging shoppers to pull their masks up over their face before entering.
There aren't as many public toilets
If you’re visiting the city centre to shop, do keep in mind there is minimal access to toilet facilities at the minute.
A limited number of public toilets are open at train stations and Liverpool ONE’s Information Centre on Wall Street.
The toilets in Liverpool ONE today have barriers outside as it prepares for demand.
