It has felt a long time since all non-essential shops were forced to shut their doors to customers.
The third lockdown, which began at the start of the year, is still continuing with the first date of relaxation being Monday, March 8, when schools reopen to all pupils.
All eyes and ears had been on Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday when he unveiled plans to lift England’s lockdown in Parliament, and then later in a televised press conference.
And many people would have been listening carefully to the dates when all retail shops can reopen.
Of course, many shops have remained open that have been deemed as providing essential goods and services – supermarkets, pharmacies, as well as other stores such as The Range, B&M and Home Bargains.
Now, stores such as M&S, John Lewis, Primark, IKEA and Dunelm have a date to pencil in their diaries – Monday, April 12.
This is not cast in stone and it is part of Step 2 of the Prime Minister’s plan to get England gradually back to normal by the summer.
But it will mean people will be able to get some retail therapy, although of course face masks and social distancing will all be part of the shopping experience.
At the same time, gyms will be able to open for individual or household group use, and zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas will also be able to open.
