More than seven in ten independent retailers that closed their doors weeks ago for lockdown plan to reopen in mid-June.
The news that independent shops are set to open comes as the vast majority of small retailers (89 per cent) felt confident they could make the necessary adjustments to keep customers safe while shopping, according to American Express.
However, recovery will take time with 34 per cent of retailers anticipating they would be trading at pre-lockdown levels by December 2020, rising to 56 per cent who felt they would be back to normal by the end of 2021.
All non-essential stores were allowed to open in England from today, but restrictions still remain in Wales and Scotland, although it is hoped these will also soon be relaxed.
The survey results coincide with the #IAmOpen Day - when Reach plc's regional titles will be retweeting hundreds of local businesses to thousands of our loyal followers.
Alongside #IAmOpen Day, we have launched the #IAmOpen community too.
By signing up your business can have access to exclusive marketing advice, offers, networking and participation in future Reach #IAmOpen events.
This brand new virtual networking hub will be filled with all the free tools we think you need to help stabilise and grow your business further and start to make up for lost time.
American Express has also announced a £16 million investment, through its Shop Small campaign in the UK, to encourage the nation to shop local and support high street businesses that have struggled during the lockdown.
Charlotte Duerden, managing director American Express UK said: “The vast majority of small high street businesses we asked feel they are ready to reopen and eager to see customers return.
"However, they also told us that their biggest concern is that they won’t see those customers back in the numbers they need.
“We all want to see a return to our vibrant high streets, which is why we’ve launched our Shop Small campaign now, giving shoppers another reason to visit local businesses and support them as they begin to reopen their doors.”
