Retail reopens: Government faces calls to encourage big-spending tourists to return

The Government today came under renewed pressure to give tourists confidence to come to London for shopping, as non-essential stores began reopening across Britain.

As PM Boris Johnson urged shoppers to hit the High Street to restart the economy, leading figures said tempting big-spending overseas shoppers back to the capital would be crucial.

Michael Ward, managing director of Harrods, told the Standard: “For most retailers, the storm is far from over, despite the positive steps we are beginning to take. It is vital for so many industries that international visitors are able to travel into London.

“Retail businesses have adapted quickly and introduced vast new measures to protect people, but our economy thrives on the support of those who travel here to live, work and invest. The Government must ensure that the capital remains accessible and attractive to international visitors.”

The Knightsbridge department store, a magnet for wealthy tourists, reopened today after its first closure in 170 years with a one-way system in place.

Jace Tyrrell, chief executive of the New West End Company representing 600 businesses in central London, called for a swift relaxation on the Government’s 14-day self-isolation rule for international travellers. He said: “We’re not expecting tourists in London straight away but visitors from some of our biggest markets — the US, Middle East and China — book months in advance so we’re talking about tourism for next year. If they see a quarantine, they won’t book.”

Fortnum & Mason boss Ewan Venters is less concerned about the short term picture. He said the absence of overseas shoppers was "not necessarily a problem if the country is going to be encouraged to do more staycationing. I believe one of the key messages that needs to be getting out is that this is a perfect time to support your country and the economy by spending money in the UK”. The department store re-opened its non-food stores today.

Non-essential stores could reopen today for the first time since March 20. Tyrrell expected West End footfall was to be low — despite long queues outside budget fashion chain Primark and crowd at NikeTown on Oxford Street this morning — and most retailers were hoping for a calm reopening to test distancing policies. “It will feel more like a leisurely Sunday afternoon rather than the West End we’re used to,” he said.

On Bond Street, shoppers were given sanitising packs on entering while some jewellers were using ultraviolet boxes that can decontaminate items.

Retailers expect pent-up demand to spur an early sales surge this week but trading levels in autumn and leading up to the crucial Christmas period will be key to gauging consumer spending.