'Rumblings' that shops will defy Covid restrictions instead of watch competitors cash in

Retailers are warning of “rumblings” among them that shops will defy the Government’s road map on easing lockdown restrictions by reopening early as fears mount of businesses collapsing during the months-long closure.

Business group Retail Excellence said it was lobbying Government to bring forward the reopening of shopping centres from August 10 to July 29 so that it “can still control” the easing of restrictions.