Retail has returned to Hull’s Fruit Market as traders reopen their doors to shoppers.
Independent businesses in Humber Street have reopened with safety measures in place, including hand sanitiser stations, contactless payments, two-metre socially distanced floor markings, one-way systems and limits on shoppers allowed inside at any one time.
While several Fruit Market businesses had continued to trade online during the lockdown – and The Store On Pier Street had remained open throughout – other shops were forced to close.
Traders said they were thrilled to welcome back customers after a three-month closure.
Poorboy Boutique reopened with a 50 per cent discount for NHS staff until Sunday.
Owner Riccardo Seaton said: “It’s very exciting to be back. The Fruit Market is very special for us and it’s great to see our customers in person again.
Form Shop and Studio co-owner Alice Thomson with the hand sanitiser customers are encouraged to use when they enter the shop.
“We’ve been here from the beginning and it’s very close to our hearts. It’s an up-and-coming, vibrant place with so much diversity and local independent businesses creating a great vibe. I have every confidence we’ll continue to flourish.”
The return of the Fruit Market commercial community has been backed by Wykeland Beal, the joint venture of commercial developer Wykeland Group and housebuilder Beal Homes, which is leading the regeneration of the area, working in partnership with Hull City Council.
Tom Watson of Wykeland Group said: “It’s great to see the fantastic independent retailers in Humber Street open once more.
“They have all proven to be tremendously resilient in responding to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 outbreak, including by launching innovative online services and now adapting their shops to create a safe and welcoming environment for customers to return.”
Find store opening times and more details here.
