SHOPKEEPERS in Worcester say they have been busy so far this week, after they were allowed to re-open on Monday following the lockdown.

Despite some nippy temperatures, April sunshine led to heavy footfall in the city centre, as the shoppers returned in force.

Many were seeking new hairdos and even Matthew Stone, owner of His and Hers hair salon in Broad Street, was surprised by the lively take-up.

He said: “I thought it would be busy, but not quite this busy. It has been relentless! But it’s very nice to see, and we are booked solid for the next few weeks. People are desperate for a haircut."

Other retailers were reporting equally brisk business.

Paula Jauncey, owner of the ladies clothes shop Emporio, in Friar Street, said: “It’s going really well. All the ladies are glad to be out shopping again, and there is a note of cautious optimism. We didn’t really know what to expect, but we have regular customers and they are all starting to reappear. We are not on the High Street, but I do know that the High Street has been incredibly busy.”

The same positive note was being sounded by the owner of Jessica’s Sweet Shop in Mealcheapen Street.

Owner Stuart Connop said: “It’s been very good, if not busier than expected.”

At the start of the week, Mr Connop said he was in a “buoyant” mood about the prospects of the business as usual, and he has not been disappointed.

He added: “We have been busy, though perhaps not super busy. But we are really glad to be back. A lot of our old customers are back and clearly happy to see us, and we are very happy to see them.”

The Worcester News' Love Local Business campaign urges our readers to spend their money locally to support traders as they recover from the lockdown, and is in partnership with Worcestershire County Council, Worcester BID, Crowngate Shopping Centre and the University of Worcester. To get involved, call Dale Godliman on 01905 742372 or email dale.godliman@newsquest.co.uk