A Year Since Lockdown - Simon Richards

By Simon Richards, the Shop Manager at Lush Spa which is based on Manchester Market Street.

March 23rd marked a year since lockdown began and the reality of the pandemic hit the UK. What are your memories of that day? 

It was a surreal experience, the thing that hit me the most was how quiet it was. Manchester is never quiet.

Thinking back, how did you anticipate the way forward for your business over those first few days?

I knew we had to adapt and pivot quickly, really make the most of our online presence to connect with customers as we didn't know how long we would be closed for.

What actions did you take to save/change/pivot/support your business?

We took a safety first approach for customers and staff as we wanted everyone to feel confident in our space. We made use of operating as a kiosk back in June before fully reopening, then offered an Order & Collect service to serve our local community when we couldn't physically open our doors due to various lockdowns and restrictions. Consultations that would usually happen face to face in store were happening over the phone or via email/DMs.

Name up to three positive outcomes of the last year for your business?

The last year has really shown how strong and adaptable the team are, pivoting the business in ways that will stick going forward and seeing how much our customers love the store and brand. Number one for me personally is becoming a father for the first time, my daughter is just coming up to one month old. And I’ve been able to keep all members of our team on during the uncertainty of the last year.

What do you most look forward to doing IN BUSINESS as we slowly move out of lockdown? 

Welcoming customers back into our store again, being able to hold community and charity events again and seeing my team in real life.

What do you most look forward to doing IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE as we slowly move out of lockdown?

Showing my daughter the outside world, going to a gig again (can't wait for my first sweaty packed Star & Garter experience) and eating out again (old favourites like Bundobust and The Hip Hop Chip Shop, and trying all the new places that have popped up like Frost Burgers).

What are your predictions for business generally in late 2021 into 2022?

I think people are going to relish experiences after lockdown, wanting to do everything you aren't able to recreate at home.Visiting stores that are part of the community and stimulate you mentally and are not just bricks & mortar and are only there physically. Retail has changed so much, and those that have future proofed their business will be the legacy retailers of the future.

Anything else you’d like to say?

I can't wait to see Manchester come out of hibernation, I feel the spirit and vibrancy will be back with a vengeance this Summer.

Find out more about Lush HERE!