Most business sectors have felt the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic. However in the first two weeks of the month, while high street shops and hospitality businesses were allowed to reopen, the beauty industry was ignored, leading many in a sector which contributes almost £30bn to the UK economy to feel abandoned.
Nearly two weeks after super Saturday, when pubs, cafés and restaurants were allowed to re-open, St Albans business owners are reflecting on this strange new world, in which customer behaviour is unpredictable, forecasting impossible, and their own processes have changed immeasurably.
For restaurants, pubs and cafés, the first week of trading after lockdown has proved challenging, yet welcome. Sophie Banks, of St Albans-based Loudbird PR, talks to traders about their recent experiences.
With face masks now set to become compulsory in shops across England, the evolving response to the ongoing pandemic is keeping retailers on their toes.
There’s a lot to get excited about in 2019, with a year jam-packed full of food, films and festivals as St Albans becomes the go-to place for some major events, and gets to grips with its own Roman history.
