The owner of a baby shop business with Nottinghamshire branches has explained why she believes there has been an oversight in not deeming stores for new parents as essential.
Laura Tenison, founder of JoJo Maman Bébé , launched a petition to have baby stores classified as essential, saying her staff are often one of the first ports of call for parents of newborn babies and help deal with some minor emergencies.
The fact that retailers such as chocolate shops and off-licences are still open has led Laura to question why her business is not seen as more necessary during the pandemic.
JoJo Maman Bébé has store location on Tudor Square in West Bridgford and on The Poultry in Nottingham city centre which have both been closed since November 5.
Laura, who lives in Wales, said: "During the first lockdown, I think we were a bit more ignorant to the impacts the pandemic was having. There was more of a level playing field with the retailers that had to shut then too.
"That playing field has changed drastically now. We have chocolate shops, stationary shops, and off-licences still open, but I think the need for a mother and baby store is higher up.
"We sell items like a range especially for premature babies and items for breast-feeding. Even cutting a baby's finger nails without using the specific tool we sell for this can be a challenge and lead to a baby scratching itself.
"It's the same with knowing how to deal with an exploding nappy.
"We've heard from a lot of our customers that they feel unsupported right now and I think we have dealt with the pandemic very well in being careful, but our customers need to come in and see us.
"If there's another lockdown in the future, they should consider the needs of these parents. Their mental health is a serious concern too."
Laura has helped launch a petition titled 'Specialist Pregnancy & Baby Stores should be classified as "Essential Retail"' which had received 368 signatures at the time of publishing.
Locally, the store also has a branch in Stamford, Lincolnshire.
A statement on the Government's website reads "The following businesses and venues that provide goods for sale or hire are permitted to remain open, including if they operate from an outdoor market stall, or at a defined concession within a shopping centre:
- Food retailers, including food markets, supermarkets, convenience stores and corner shops. This also includes fresh food retailers (such as butchers, bakers, greengrocers, fishmongers, and delicatessens)
- Off licenses and licensed shops selling alcohol
- Pharmacies (including non-dispensing pharmacies) and chemists
- Newsagents
- Hardware (such as tools, builders’ hardware, paint and glass) stores, building merchants and building services
- Petrol stations, car repair shops, bicycle shops and MOT services. Other vehicle repair can also go ahead at these venues.
- Banks, building societies, credit unions, short term loan providers, savings clubs, cash points and undertakings which by way of business operate currency exchange offices, transmit money (or any representation of money) by any means or cash cheques which are made payable to customers
- Post offices
- Garden centres and agricultural supplies shops. This does not include florists.
