Non-essential shops can open in Ryde from today, Monday 15 June. Shopkeepers have been working hard to prepare for opening, making important changes to their businesses to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for shoppers and staff.
Ryde Town Council would like to thank and support the town’s retail businesses. Shopping will be a different experience from before lockdown. The Town Council has been working closely with Ryde Business Association and Isle of Wight Council to ensure as smooth an opening as possible.
Ryde Town Council would like to extend a warm welcome to shoppers coming to Ryde to shop in the town’s excellent range of independent retailers. Businesses have had to do a lot of additional work to be ready for opening and the Town Council asks people to be patient and understanding as the town gets used to a new way of operating.
Support from Ryde’s retail community during the crisis
The Mayor of Ryde, Cllr Michael Lilley said:
“The community spirit of Ryde really shone during lockdown. The retail businesses that were open, along with others running online and delivery services kept the town going. Many of Ryde’s shopkeepers and staff volunteered to deliver shopping, collect prescriptions and many other acts of kindness.”
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Ryde Town Council wishes to recognise business owners and their staff for their courage in keeping the community going through the Covid19 pandemic. Ryde Town Council in partnership with Ryde Aspire Community HUB, ran a force of approximately 300 volunteers which along with Isle of Wight Council, made thousands of deliveries.
Shopping with the Mayor
The Mayor of Ryde, Cllr Michael Lilley said:
“I am so proud to be Mayor of a town with an electric and fantastic community spirit. I will be out shopping today to thank our local retailers from the bottom of my heart. I urge every resident to spend your money in Ryde town centre. Support your local shops and help rebuild and grown our town’s economy. Buy local, support local, as these shops support you!”
Zoe Thompson, Chair of Ryde Business Association said:
“As more shops begin to re-open, we would like to encourage people to ‘Think Local First’. Businesses have worked extremely hard to get to this point, and with tough times far from over, we need everyone to use our local shops. We have a strong network of independent businesses which we are really proud of. With the continued support of the community and the resilience of our brilliant business owners, we will do all we can to ensure Ryde makes a full recovery!”