Pent-up,thirsty and wild-haired Brits are set to blow £1BILLION on Monday as shops, pubs and barbers finally race back to work.
Experts predicted the huge boost to the Covid-hit economy as businesses got under starting orders to reopen for the first time since Christmas.
Beer gardens are booked around the clock and last night one landlord summed up the mood of the nation, declaring: “We can’t wait.”
With 12 million gagging for some retail therapy, stores can stay open until 10pm and many will be trying to entice shoppers with discounts of up to 70 per cent.
As well as feeling better, customers will be making sure they start looking better too.
Most hair and beauty salons are already booked up for weeks.
But some experts warned the reopening spending spree might not be enough to save some businesses.
What do you think about this story? Let us know in the comments
A staggering four million pints could be knocked back at pubs and restaurants tomorrow – that’s 92 per second.
Landlord Ted Bear, 52, is raring to serve punters outside at the Engine Inn in Kenilworth, Warks.
The dad of two said: “The locals can’t wait to come back and we can’t wait to see them.
“The cellar is completely stocked, we’ve put more seating outdoors and we’re ready to go.
He added: “This pub has been open since 1850 – I couldn’t let it
die on my watch.”
Superfan Glen Arnold, 33, who has the location of the pub inked on his backside, said: “Pubs like the Engine are a British institution. We need to stick by them.”
Hairdressers and beauty salons are braced for queues from 8am.
At On The Lash in Wooburn Green, Bucks, co-owner Jen Atkinson, 37, said: “It’s been manic – my phone’s not stopped buzzing.
“It’s been tough but I can’t wait to get back to creating amazing lashes and brows.”
The Government’s “stay local” instruction also ends tomorrow, so families can book staycations and visit theme parks and zoos.
Gyms will also reopen so punters can shift the pounds they put on during lockdown.
But bargain hunters will be throwing their weight behind the high street where many stores will slash prices to shift winter stock.
Debenhams, which went bust in December, is having a sale at 97 stores before its closes down next month.
There are fears the big spend won’t be enough to save thousands of shops reeling from lockdown and growing online competition.
Dragon’s Den stars Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis want a fairer tax system and are urging Chancellor Rishi Sunak to permanently cut business rates.
Deborah told the Sunday Mirror: “If high streets are to thrive they need a vision and strategic plan to create an exciting place to shop and socialise.”
Theo added: “The Chancellor must recognise that if business rates – or as I call it, the business destroyer –returns, it will have a catastrophic effect on physical retail.”
But some economists hope the estimated £150billion saved during lockdown will fuel a consumer boom.
And others are warning Manic Monday could be followed by an even more tumultuous Tuesday.
Joshua Bamfield of the Centre for Retail Research said: “Tuesday could be even busier. Monday is going
to look manic. But there will be a lot of people still cautious who will leave it for a day.”
