Shops and salons in Market Rasen and Caistor prepare to welcome back customers again

It has been a difficult 12 months for all business owners, but it is hoped the Prime Minister’s announcement last week detailing the ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown is finally giving some genuine hope for the future.

The main date for our high streets is April 12 - subject to the government’s phased targets being met - when non-essential retail will be allowed to reopen.

The list includes clothing, charity and antique shops, as well as betting shops.

Personal care facilities and close contact services will also reopen, including hair, beauty and nail salons.

That is music to the ears of local salon owners .

While some have been able to adapt their business for online product sales and advice, they all agree there is nothing better than welcoming customers back through the salon doors.

“We are so looking forward to being back and seeing all of our lovely clients who have continued to support us during all of the lockdowns by purchasing vouchers and products, by messaging us or through our online shop that we set up during 
lockdown 1,” said Teresa Mack, co-owner of Market Rasen’s Spring Beauty Room.

“We are definitely more than ready and raring to go, but this time we are more than happy and prepared to wait it out longer to prevent another lockdown.”

“It is sad that we have only been open for five months out of 13 by the time we go back, 
but it has proven to us how strong we all can be and that when it’s time we will be ready.

“The open-closed-open-closed and open with restrictions that happened last year affected everyone’s confidence and emotions, staff and clients alike.

“This time, however, we feel everyone is more positive and less worried or scared to leave the house and venture out 
now that the vaccine is being rolled out.”

Teresa added: “The lockdowns actually were pivotal for us, by providing time for us to work on the business behind the scenes enabling us to complete projects and bring in 
newness for the business.

“The town’s businesses and council support along with the community has come amazingly 
together in the last 12 months, which I think will be asset for the town to strive forward.”

Over at Caistor, salon owner Toni-Lee Richardson is equally optimistic .

She said: “All of us at Skin Couture are really looking forward to welcoming our clients back to the salon when the government gives us the go ahead.

“It’s a really exciting time for us, as we changed ownership at the beginning of the year so we have lots of new treatments and services launching.

“Throughout the course of the pandemic we created a VIP beauty group on our social media platforms for all of our existing clients, where we posted a variety of tutorials, hosted pamper parties and fun events to curb the lockdown boredom and keep people entertained.

“The course of the past year has been really tough on our industry as a whole, but we are well prepared for our return and will continue to follow government guidance with regards to safety in the salon.

“PPE and consideration for health and safety have always been common practice for our industry, so we’ve adapted to the additional requirements with ease.”

Fellow Caistor business 
Pig & Poke is also ready to open its doors, but will be waiting until Tuesday April 20, after the school holidays.

“We are excited about 
re-opening as we have missed all our lovely customers!” said owner Helen White.

“It’s been a strange year with having to keep closing the doors, but we are well practiced in our Covid-safe routines and will just be really glad to be open.

“Luckily we are going into the warmer months so we can seat people outside that 
want to treat themselves to coffee and cake.

“Our online business has really taken off during lockdown and for many people it is their preferred way to shop.

“We will continue to promote our website, www.pigandpoke.co.uk as it means we can sell nationwide as well as in Caistor.

“We have continued to keep in touch with our customers through Instagram and Facebook, but chatting to everyone in person and helping people shop is what we are really looking forward to!.”

That personal interaction is something being craved by Gail Lee, owner of the Stitch Witch in Market Rasen’s Union Street.

As well as her shop, Gail also runs craft workshops.

She said: “I’m so excited about the prospect of reopening and welcoming my customers back.

“It’s not just about making a living, although that is rather important, it’s also about the interaction with the wider community and helping people to get crafting... so good for 
our mental well-being.

“I think we are right to be taking a cautious approach, as we really don’t want to go into any more lockdowns - I don’t think us small businesses 
could survive it.”

For the area’s pubs, to hit the hoped for April 12 date will depend on outside space available to them.

The area’s eateries can continue with takeaway and delivery, but it will be mid-May at the earliest before indoor service can resume.

Like a number of local businesses, Rasen cafe and bistro owner Nicky Brooksbank has been kept busy with meal orders.

Now she is planning to resume the takeaway side six days a week on the April date and prepare to welcome her customers back fully in May.

She said: “I can’t wait to see customers again - very exciting.”