Click and collect’ announcement welcomed

BUSINESSES will be allowed to operate ‘click and collect’ services during the forthcoming Covid-19 two-week circuit breaker.

 

The Executive has agreed that a controlled ‘click and collect’ service for retail can operate during the two-week closure from Friday.

 

Click and collect facilities will be permitted to operate on an appointment-only basis with maximum mitigations in place and eligible businesses will still be able to access financial support schemes during this period.

 

The announcement comes as a relief to local businesses who were facing a two-week closure during their busiest time of the year.

Classic Urbanwear, on Market Street, Omagh, intends to utilise the option and staff have also been putting preparations in place for a delivery service.

 

Owner of the clothing store, Robbie Watson, said, “We will have a click and collect service available for customers to buy any of our items.

 

“I won’t be able to have all my staff in work but at least I can operate on some level.

 

“We will be using Facebook, Instagram and our website to promote the ‘click and collect’ service and if people need anything delivered, we hope to do that too,” added Mr Watson.

 

Speaking about the click and collect announcement on Tuesday, Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said, “We have listened to views on a range of issues and agreed that retail businesses will be able to operate a click and collect service in a controlled manner that helps to ensure the safety of both customers and staff.”

 

Mr Watson welcomed the announcement and said shops need to be able to operate at this time to benefit from the busy Christmas trade in order to survive.

 

He added, “We have to move stock at this time of year – it is as simple as that.”