On Wednesday, the non-essential retailers in Wales were dealt a tough blow when the Welsh government declared that they must shutter their stores starting from December 26. This decision, slated for review in three weeks, has left Welsh businesses in limbo as they look towards the post-Christmas period with uncertainty hanging over their heads. While the allure of post-Christmas sales has waned due to the prevalence of pre-Christmas discounts, this time still holds great significance in the retail world. Fashion and beauty outlets in Wales are now facing the grim reality of missing out on this pivotal shopping season, relying solely on their online presence to keep them afloat. Adding to the woes, hair and beauty salons have also been instructed to close shop before the holiday festivities kick in.
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has painted a bleak picture of the current coronavirus landscape in Wales, labeling it as “extremely serious” with around 20% of tests returning positive results. This comes as a bitter pill to swallow, especially after Wales had previously undergone an early autumn lockdown in hopes of staving off such high infection rates. In light of this troubling information, the Welsh government has laid down stricter guidelines, limiting Christmas gatherings to just two households – a departure from the three-household allowance set out by the broader UK approach during the festive season. Drakeford underscored the gravity of the situation, stressing, “Only two households should get together. That’s how serious things are. I can’t go beyond that until the results of the discussions between the four governments are published later today.”
This recent development has sparked worries about whether Wales’ restrictions could serve as a precursor to a nationwide lockdown, potentially leading to the closure of non-essential retail outlets across the UK post-holidays. The looming uncertainty surrounding the fate of the retail sector in Wales and beyond has left industry insiders on edge, grappling with the unknowns of what lies ahead.
For more information on the latest COVID-19 updates and guidelines in Wales, visit the official Welsh Government website here. Stay informed and stay safe.
