Retail NZ says it welcomes tonight’s announcement by Government of further information about what retail stores are
considered essential.
“There has been significant confusion over the last day and a half about which retailers will be able to open their
stores when we move to a Level 4 lockdown tomorrow night. Retail NZ welcomes moves to clarify which stores will be
allowed to open,” Retail NZ Chief Executive Greg Harford said today. “It is good news that the Government has offered
better direction and removes uncertainty for both business owners and customers. Retailers want to do the right thing to
help New Zealand get through the Coronavirus Crisis, and clear information from Government is essential to enable this.
“There remain some areas which need further clarification. In particular, it remains unclear whether specialty stores
supplying essential food such as small grocers, bakers, butchers and fruiterers are able to open. Additionally the
Government has not yet made a decision on whether non-essential stores can continue to trade online, subject to
appropriate safety arrangements. Retail NZ is continuing to seek advice from officials on these points.”