Stores were ordered to shut as Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed a nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak, but today they are back in businesses. Our reporters Fiona, Sophie, Mark and Ian headed out across Sunderland, South Tyneside, Hartlepool and Northumberland to meet traders and speak to shoppers. Here’s how the day unfolded, queues and all.
Support Local: How the day unfolded as North East shops reopened for first time since lockdown
Last updated: Monday, 15 June, 2020, 09:54
- Non-essential retailers are welcoming customers back on Monday, June 15.
- Queues across the North East at Primark, Sports Direct and TK Maxx branches.
- New safety measures and guidelines in place to keep people safe.
- Reporters speak to shoppers and retailers alike to get their views on the first day back.
- Check out our posts to see how the day happened.
9.00am: Good morning - it's time to #SupportLocal
Hello - it’s Monday, June 15 and it’s Debra here bringing you live updates as we head out across the North East region to speak to retailers and shoppers as a whole host of businesses reopen for the first time since coronavirus lockdown in March.
9.10am: Where we are
Our reporters are heading out across Sunderland, South Tyneside, Hartlepool and Northumberland to find out more - so keep your eyes out for Fiona, Sophie, Mark and Ian and don’t forget to say hello if you’re hitting the shops!
9.20am: Our reporter Ian is in Alnwick town centre - social distancing signs are up for shoppers
9.20am: Meanwhile, in Sunderland
Our reporter Fiona has been chatting to people in the queue at Primark in Sunderland - those at the front were waiting to go in at 6.30am! What’s the first shop you’ll be visiting today?
9.25am: Lots of donations at Cancer Research in Alnwick town centre
There are heaps of donations outside Cancer Research in Alnwick this morning, despite a notice on the door saying not to leave items there.
9.30am: An update from Sophie in South Shields town centre
Huge queue for Sports Direct in town - will you be heading down to the shops today?
9.35am: A busy morning in South Shields
Sophie is reporting from South Shields town centre, where there is a host at the door of Sports Direct monitoring the number of shoppers heading through the doors.