On Monday 15 June the UK took another step towards easing the lockdown as non-essential retailers are permitted to reopen their stores.

To mark the occasion, The Retail Mutual has launched a social media campaign to support their return to business.

Specialist cover provider for independent businesses, The Retail Mutual has created the Open for Business campaign to celebrate and support high street retailers and to encourage consumers to shop small. The campaign invites independent retail businesses to share the news of their reopening on social media by taking photos of their social distancing measures and new stock, using the hashtag #OpenForBusiness.

This campaign also gives the opportunity to celebrate the businesses that remained open during the lockdown with customers using the hashtag show their thanks and support to their favourite local businesses.

Mutual manager, Kirsty Hampton, said: “Independent retail businesses are at the heart of The Retail Mutual’s existence and we know that this pandemic has taken its toll on our Members, their businesses, their families and their communities. We hope that this campaign will bring the independent retail community together and encourage shoppers to support small businesses.

"We have been supporting our Members throughout the pandemic by introducing an unoccupied premises waiver to ensure their premises are covered. We also set up a dedicated resource hub for all independents which contains frequently asked questions and useful guides to keeping businesses safe. We are delighted to be launching this campaign to further support independent retail at this time and wish all businesses the best in the future. It’s nice to see you open again.”