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'Shop out to help out'
April 12, 2021
Retail campaigners are calling for a "shop out to help out" scheme to help the high street if consumers remain wary of venturing out as stores start to re-open.
Backed by leading retail groups and shopping campaigner Mary Portas, the scheme is designed to boost footfall by covering 50% of a shopper's costs, up to £10, on Monday to Wednesdays for a month and it would only apply at physical stores with fewer than 10 staff.
"We would be kidding ourselves to think that everything will be fine for independent retailers once they reopen on 12 April," says Ross Bailey, the entrepreneur leading the campaign.
"Now it is the government's responsibility to support these businesses and ensure they are given a fighting chance to bounce back - the government needs to show that all businesses matter, not just big businesses," he said.
He adds that the £1.8billion in rates relief returned to the Treasury by supermarket chains could be used to fund Shop Out To Help Out.
So far, the Government has commented that it is already supporting small businesses and will continue to do so in coming months. Shops won't pay any business rates until July, can continue to furlough staff until September, and are receiving Restart Grants of up to £6,000.
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