Covid-19: Bilston merchants ‘optimistic’ for reopening of retailers

Bilston High Street sign

[ad_1]

By John Bray
BBC News, West Midlands

image captionBilston, in the borough of Wolverhampton, has a population of more than 25,000

From Monday 12 April, high street businesses in England can once again welcome customers through their doors after lockdown restrictions are eased.

The BBC has been to Bilston, a market town on the outskirts of Wolverhampton, to speak to six small business owners for their perspectives on a challenging 12 months and to gauge levels of optimism.

‘I think it’s going to be a good year’

image captionRochelle Woolery runs a clothing store in the town

Rochelle Woolery opened her clothing store A Bit of Me at the end of October. Less than a week later, her doors were closed as the second national lockdown was called by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

“I kind of expected it,” said the 32-year-old. “Obviously it was gutting, but it was either you stop and give up, or carry on and do the best you can with click-and-collect and social media.

“It’s obviously been difficult, as…

[ad_2]