TRADERS in Malvern remain cautiously optimistic in the second week since shops were allowed to re-open.

Some non-essential shops re-opened their doors last week, though footfall was affected by the bad weather.

Traders said this week’s hot weather had drawn out more shoppers, giving an encouraging boost to the town.

Sue Rule, who runs Dynastic Art in Church Street, has been taking special actions to make sure her shop is as safe as possible for returning customers.

She said: "It has been positive this week. There have been lots of smiling faces and lovely people who have got used to following social distancing.

"We are asking for people to wear masks when they come in and our staff are wearing visors.

"We have also put up a barrier in the shop so customers can follow the one way system and not bump into one another. Last week wasn’t helped by the weather but with the sun this week it has been really encouraging."

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Dawn Harford, who used to run Cecily's beauty salon and now works in the graphic design industry, said times are uncertain for businesses.

She said: "Few industries exist in splendid isolation, the creative industry is no different, and particularly during this pandemic many have suffered and, according to a study by Oxford Economics into the projected economic impact of Covid-19, they forecast a £74bn turnover loss over 2020 compared to 2019, a projected loss of 119,000 direct employees and a further 287,000 job losses among self-employed creatives, something we all have to consider going forward.

"For Artwork Creative during lockdown, although there has been considerably less work than normal, we have continued to deliver the requirements of our clients, particularly local companies who have been innovators in producing PPE equipment such as Autoflo Ltd and, other clients, such as Melton Support Services, who have asked us to design and produce branded health and safety items for their staff and customers.

"With news of fewer restrictions from 4 July, we are now engaging with more clients as many businesses are gearing up for a return to work who want fresh marketing graphics and branding to compete in our ‘New Normal’ landscape.

"We have enjoyed delivering to all our clients requirements globally for the last 34 years and are ready to continue that service against the most challenging backdrop imaginable."

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Visiting the town, West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin met with traders to discuss how the first week back had gone.

Mrs Baldwin joined a group of retailers planning to open up new outlets in the former Brays department store on Worcester Road: Richard Simmonds, who is developing the site with Jill Campbell who owns Solo Boutique in Malvern Wells and Jon White and Shona Kelly, who run Faun on Church Street. Both businesses are planning to take space at the refurbished building.

Mrs Baldwin said: "I’ve been really keen to get out and chat to business owners who have been impacted by the shutdown and show support for the retailers who are now welcoming customers back to their stores.

"Some businesses have been able to adapt and sell goods in a different way during this terrible crisis, but others were forced to shut down until the conditions were right to allow people back onto the high street.

"It’s now really important that people show their support for our local independent retailers and help to kick start the economy.

"Although the Government has taken unprecedented steps to protect businesses, jobs and livelihoods, we now need to help British business to get back on its feet.

"I offered my support to the Malvern Gazette’s ‘shop local’ campaign and will be doing my bit of over the coming weeks and months to encourage people to venture out do some ‘non-essential’ shopping."