'The longer businesses are closed, the more they will struggle to re-open'

COVID: Cootehill ladies' fashion retailer discusses the impact of lockdown

Off the Rack proprietor Lisa Pepper suspects there’ll be no meaningful reopening for businesses until the end of July or later. Considering the Cootehill retailer specialises in stylish ladies' fashion wear and accessories, she says: "Usually the summer season would be very good in this business and of course there would be all the wedding business."

While public health is of paramount concern, Lisa notes the difficulty in planning in these pandemic times.

"I don’t think the Government realises that shops like mine order a season in advance. We would have ordered last season hoping to be open for this season – we are effectively ordering six months in advance.

"We would already have ordered our spring and summer wear, before we knew we were closed. All that stock came into the shop anyway."

Lisa suggests smaller rural boutiques and shops should be allowed to open by appointment.

"Let one or two people in at a time, which is happening in other countries," she says. "They are classing all shops like big stores and of course the rural shops would have less footfall. "The longer businesses are closed, the more they will struggle to re-open."

A click and collect service at the very least would get the ball rolling, But for now Off the Rack are fully focussed on selling online or taking orders over the phone and delivering to customers. They have invested a lot of time in their social media and easy to use website.

"A lot of people are tired of the casual wear and are hoping for the sun to come out and put on a sun dress", explained Lisa Pepper.

"People can also order over the phone if they are not sure about ordering online and it article can be sent out to them. We can also help them with sizes – we are always here to help and offer advice", says Lisa.