Following the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson's announcement that non-essential retailers, including fashion stores, may be able to open from 1 June, the government has published detailed guidelines on how retailers can prepare for reopening and how they can operate safely.

The guidance has been prepared by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) with input from firms, unions, industry bodies and the devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and in consultation with Public Health England (PHE) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The guidance outlines how retailers can manage risk by implementing practices such as increasing the frequency of handwashing, keeping people 2m apart wherever possible, using screens and back to back working and sharing risk assessments with employees.

Other measures that the government will be enforcing include signage in multiple locations to remind staff and customers of hygiene, providing sanitisers in many locations in addition to washrooms, and paper towels should be offered instead of hand dryers. While fitting rooms may be used, retailers should take measures to ensure the process is sanitary, by providing regular cleaning of the areas and delaying the return of garments to the shop floor. 

The guidance also outlines that contactless returns should be implemented and returned items will need to be kept separate from store merchandise. The wearing of face masks has not been made mandatory but should staff want to wear them, then full advice on hygiene and best practice has also been included in the guidance. 

To read the full guidance published by the government please visit gov.uk.