Worthing’s new normal: Our reporter goes shopping to find out what we can expect

The sudden influx of shoppers were a far cry from the eerily deserted streets of March and April, but by and large there were not the long queues that many expected.

Shoppers did queue for more than an hour waiting to get into Sports Direct, although two metre social distancing made the tailback seem longer than it may have done.

Many shops did not open until 10am, so the few queues early on this morning were mostly from eager shoppers still on the pre-lockdown clock expecting 9am openings.

The face masks which have become so commonplace – even compulsory on public transport – were out in force as many people showed a reassuring commitment to staying safe.

There were fears the opening of shops could be subdued if shoppers feared for their safety, but retailers seem to have put extensive measures in place.

I had been braced for huge changes to the inside of shops but the measures to combat the spread of the virus were so unobtrusive that the actual experience of shopping was barely affected.

Customer numbers have been limited to ensure social distancing, which actually lends itself to a much less hectic shopping experience, similar to the more relaxed feel to supermarkets since the panic buying died down.

Markings on the floor map out two metre distances, hand sanitising stations are dotted liberally around and perspex screens sit in front of the tills – all measures that have already become part of our ‘new normal’.

A new feature that I did find a little shocking was some cashiers wearing see-through visors over their faces, bringing a taste of the cancelled Wimbledon championships to Worthing.

Ultimately, store owners can only do so much and responsibility does fall to all of us to maintain our distance, even if that means a bit of queuing or waiting a minute longer to have a look at the next clothes rack.

All of the shoppers I spoke to this morning said they felt safe coming into town and acknowledged that all they can do is make sure they follow the guidelines.

The reopening of our town centres was always going to be a balancing act between maintaining public safety and limiting financial damage to traders.

Town centre manager Sharon Clarke had warned the added costs of reopening with new safety measures, coupled with reduced customer numbers, could see businesses in more danger open than closed.

Paul O’Brien owns I Love Candy in Bath Place and said people were pleased to see independent traders reopen, but the costs of coronavirus measures did place extra strain on businesses.

“We’ve had to put new lids on the pick’n’mix, signage, perspex screens in front of the tills, but you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do – everyone’s in the same boat,” he said.

“Today has been like a normal Monday to be honest, but we will see what it’s like in two weeks time.”

Paul said his business had added a new string to its bow by adding online sales, which had allowed I Love Candy to build a national reach.

“It’s evolve or die,” he said.

Graham Jones opened Haggle It in Warwick Street at the end of last year and he too is starting to move into online sales.

He admitted it had been difficult financially, particularly having only just got his shop up and running, but said he was delighted to see Worthing bustling again.

Like many retailers, Graham was able to access Government grants for small businesses, with either £10,000 or £25,000 being awarded depending on businesses’ rent.

Tragically, Haggle It’s rent fell below the threshold for a £25,000 grant by just one penny, leaving Graham with a £15,000 shortfall.

But with his store back open and looking as safe as can be, hopefully now is the time for things to start turning around.

What was clear from this morning’s reopening is that Worthing is very much back open for business.