The National Retail Association (NRA) has welcomed news that common-sense has prevailed and that Melbourne retailers will again be open for business from this Friday.
Victorian retailers have lost an estimated $2 billion over a 14-day period following the state being plunged into its fourth lockdown since the pandemic began.
NRA CEO Dominique Lamb said that businesses across Australia’s second-largest state will be breathing a deep sigh of relief.
“Covid has wreaked havoc across Australia and the world, but Victoria has been dealt a particularly brutal blow,” Ms Lamb said.
“Not only has it been the state’s fourth lockdown, but Victorian businesses have had to navigate this one without the JobKeeper safety net.
“The NRA estimates that the fourth Victorian lockdown has cost retail businesses a collective $2 billion over the 14-day stretch.”
Ms Lamb also urged Victorian consumers to support local retailers while also abiding with all safety protocols.
“We urge shoppers to make a conscious effort to support retailers across Victoria once restrictions are formally lifted,” Ms Lamb said.
“Throughout the pandemic retailers have demonstrated an impeccable ability to enforce and maintain the highest possible safety protocols. Shoppers have nothing to fear by visiting the shops once Victoria comes out of lockdown on Friday.”