As lockdown eases, retailers classed as non-essential are allowed to start reopening from today (15 June) and we could not be happier at this news. We know some people will be very cautious about hitting their local high street just yet – obviously, there is still a virus out there and that threat shouldn’t be taken lightly – but my feeling is that if you feel safe, confident and able to do so, lets show our favourite local shops our support.

If you’re a regular reader, you’ll know that Muddy has always been about championing the plucky, diverse, brilliant independent retailers that proudly pepper the high streets of Glos’s and Worc’s villages and town – and they need us more than ever right now. Never has the phrase ‘use it or lose it’ been more pertinent.

The local business owners we’ve been talking to have been telling us about how hard they’ve been working hard to make their spaces safe for customers and staff.

Bodega fashion boutique in Cheltenham reopens on the 15 June, via a book-in system via their online booking system, even offering early morning slots and late openings to fit in fashionistas. The Worcester store will not be reopening at all, sadly, but Worcs ladies are awaited with open (socially distanced!) arms in Chelt.

Also in the spa town the gorgeous Pink Vintage has reopened on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 – 2pm for funky and quirky homeware updates.

In Cirencester Sue Parkinson is re-opening for appointments from Weds 24 June. Totally refurbed (we can’t wait to get in and see it) and full of beautiful summery stock. Visit the website to book your slot.

Over in Broadway you can now get all of your gifts from All Of My Heart which reopens today (15 June). Handy for Father’s Day coming up, with lots of social distancing and hygiene measures in place. As is The Man Cave off the high street in Broadway, another one-stop shop for brilliant, one-off retro ‘dad’ gifts.

And we also slightly beside ourselves that the new John Lewis in Cheltenham is opening with lots of socially distanced ‘upgrades’ on 18 June.

So where are we heading this week? Well, we’re already getting our flat white fix from Luxe in Cirencester which his open for amazing milkshakes and coffees on-the-go. So I’ll add that with a trip to The Whitewall Gallery in Cirencester opening from Tuesday 16 June. We’ll be stocking up the empty larder at Malvern Organics General Store which is now open every day from 8am to 8pm. One of our faves, the treasure trove that is Woodcock and Cavendish over in Nailsworth reopens today too, with an enlarged space inside, enabling safe ‘browsing’.

We’re also hoping to tiptoe our way to Moloh in Tetbury, open from the 15 June between 10 and 5pm. The summer sale is live and kicking here so scoop up some great bargains.

A pub or restaurant experience will have to wait another few weeks but that’s OK, we’re patient.

So where will be your first port of call and why? We’d love to hear your shout-outs for your local high street heroes – tell us in the comments box below. Don’t forget your face mask and hand sanitiser, along with your credit card!

Muddy opinion: let’s support our shops

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