The 'new normal' in Wick town centre
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WITH this week's announcement by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon that smaller shops and outdoor markets are allowed to reopen there was a noticeable buzz in Wick town centre.
Protective masks and social distancing measures were evident in shops and even on the pavement on Bridge Street where markers had been set down as a guide for shoppers.
Alex Bruce from the Nickel and Dime store on High Street was busy taking in new stock that had just been delivered to his shop.
"We were only closed for about three weeks [over the lockdown]. We were able to stay open because we're termed a hardware store," he said.
Alex said that sales of gardening equipment, DIY goods and balls of wool had been selling well. He hopes to expand on the selection of tools available.
"I think people are getting bored of sitting in the house and want to get out," he said. "We've had 25 more customers per day this week so business has really picked up."
Back down the High Street at McAllan's men's clothing shop a large shield was being built around the counter but until it is finished the sales assistant is wearing a protective visor.
The owners of the Wick and Thurso shops, John and Hamish McAllan, reported "brisk" sales in both places after opening on Monday for the first time since lockdown restrictions were announced.
John said: "In Wick it was brisk in the morning [Monday] but in Thurso it was brisk all day."
Across the road from McAllan's the Semichem shop remains temporarily closed. A few other shops around the town remain closed, most notably Argos at Wick Retail Park.
Meanwhile, back along Wick High Street, Morag's Café is open for takeaways and several customers were observed buying coffees and snacks on Tuesday afternoon.
Café owner Morag Mackenzie said: "We closed down for about six or seven weeks but have been doing takeaways for the last few weeks.
"Business has been steady but there's been no real footfall on the street. It's going to be hard but we'll hold our own."
Morag has used some of the downtime from her business in creating a new seated area at the side of the shop and sprucing up the interior.
She is ready to follow all the government guidelines when she has seated customers again, with social distancing measures in place and strict policies on plates, cutlery and condiments to avoid contamination.
On Bridge Street, McAllan & Co painting and decorating shop was also busy after reopening this week. Lockdown has led to a surge in DIY interest so cans of paint and wallpaper are in big demand.
