Local retailers, salons and cafes welcome back customers as lockdown eases
SHOPPERS were welcomed back to the town centre this month following the easing of lockdown restrictions in what was described as a “fantastic” return by retailers.
Queues formed outside barber shops, fully booked hairdressing and beauty salons bounced back into action, shoppers browsed the shelves and aisles of our local shops, and cafés and pubs opened up their outdoor areas to welcome back customers.
“With the shops now re-opened and the sun shining and outside hospitality being able to operate, I am delighted that Frome’s town centre is returning to its normal thriving self,” said Frome’s mayor, cllr Anita Collier. “There’s a real buzz and energy around the town, and I’m really pleased to see so many people supporting our local businesses in a safe and socially distanced way.
“It won’t be long until all restrictions are lifted if we keep following the rules, we’ve got this Frome!
“Our shopkeepers have been through so much in the past year and it’s up to us to keep buying from our wonderful array of independent shops, so let’s keep it local and allow our shops to thrive again.”
It was the first time since the lockdown began on 5th January that non-essential shops and businesses were allowed to open their doors – and with businesses reporting a “hustle and bustle” in the town, it was a relief for many to be back.
Local shop owner, Matt Gillman from Matthew Paul Interiors, said, “It’s so nice being back in the shop after being closed for so long, it’s wonderful to see and chat to customers again and it’s so lovely seeing Frome slowly returning to normal especially with the sun shining.”
Hannah at Ramshack Barbers on Cheap Street said, “It’s been amazing to be back in the salon again and seeing our wonderful clients after being closed for so long.”
Millie Moon’s Rachel le Page said “It’s so good to hear the hustle and bustle on the hill.”
And for ‘Rotary in Frome’, which opened their new pop-up charity shop in the old M&Co premises in Westway, it was a “fantastic start”.
“We had really good takings and we sold a lot of stuff, including quite significant bits of furniture,” said Richard Lines on behalf of Rotary in Frome.
