Leamington town centre in second lockdown: several shops and businesses still open to walk-in customers while others offer online services

But that does not mean that Leamington town centre is a no-go area for shoppers who are still allowed to buy goods and pay for services as part of essential journeys.

Like in the last lockdown, those shops which sell essential items such as Tesco, Robert Dyas, Savers, Boots, Superdrug, Poundland, The Co-op and The M&S branch in The Parade which has a food hall, remain open for people to walk in.

McDonald's, Greggs, Cafe Nero and Costa in the Parade are open for takeaway only as are several coffee shops and cafes including Cafe Brasilia, Costa and Muffin Break in The Royal Priors, Nero on Regent Street and Cafe Royal on Warwick Street.

The doors of Chocolatier Hotel Chocolat also remain open.

Banks and building societies in the town centre remain open in general as do opticians.

The Depot is also open for walk-in customers.

London Camera Exchange is open for click and collect.

Customers can email the store or call to discuss their needs.

Timpson's branches in the town centre are still open to offer services.

Some restaurants are advertising takeaway and delivery services.

M&S in the Royal Priors has a click and collect stand set up at its upper mall entrance.

To view the video footage we took of the town centre on the first day of the second lockdown today visit the Leamington Courier's Facebook page.

You can also contact us on Facebook messenger via the Facebook page or by emailing [email protected].

If you have or manage a business in the town which remains open either for walk-in customers or online trading then we want to hear from you to spread the word.

The Leamington Courier wants to support local businesses in and around the town centre as much as possible during these troubled times.BID Leamington is also encouraging people to continue to support businesses in the town centre.

A statement on the Love Leamington website says: "Behind every business in our Town Centre is a brave and brilliant individual supporting a raft of others.

"This website showcases the businesses in Leamington town centre that are selling their products online and offering innovative new ways to keep you supplied with the items you need.

"This means you can still support your local high street stores during these turbulent times."

To find out more about the businesses and services in Leamington town centre.

www.loveleamington.com*Let's help high street tills jingle all the way this Christmas*

That is our call today as we step up our #supportlocal campaign by urging shoppers to spend on their doorstep before and during the festive period, visiting neighborhood stores or buying from independent outlets online.

This clarion call follows Leamington Courier owner JPIMedia's recent Big Conversation survey, which revealed that 71% of our audience across the UK agrees that “the Christmas period will be a good opportunity to support local businesses”.

Together we can back business by all making an extra effort to boost traders' takings, ensuring local economies enjoy a prosperous festive fillip.

Throughout the pandemic local shopkeepers stepped up to the plate to provide plentiful supplies of essential goods, extending opening hours, launching food banks and free delivery services, as well as supporting generous community and charity projects.

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) back our initiative.

FSB National Chairman Mike Cherry said: “Small businesses are well and truly at the heart of our communities. Over much of the past year, the valuable contribution these firms make to local areas has been proven time and time again.

“For many though, these past few months have been the most difficult small firms will ever face, and the winter ahead looks set to be a very difficult one, which is why it’s never been more important to support your local firms and, by extension, the community in which you live.”

He added: “Small businesses give back in so many ways.

"This is why it’s critical we go out and shop local, support small businesses online and consider those alternative independent stores that often sell produce and services you simply can’t get from larger stores, especially during this pandemic, and especially if you’re looking for a unique Christmas gift this year.

“The contribution small businesses make to a street, neighbourhood and community is invaluable.

And, for savvy Christmas shoppers, they’re the perfect place to go to find some great value festive treats.”

BIRA Chief Executive Andrew Goodacre agrees. “This year has been unique, different, and, ultimately, very challenging for independent retail.

"Covid has changed many things in our lives, not least the way we shopp", he said.

“With more people working from home, there has been a greater interest in shopping locally. We have seen many retailers adjust their business models to meet the needs of the community. This must continue and consumers must resist the lure of online if these local shops are to continue to serve their communities.

“Money spent locally is recycled locally, often paying for local suppliers, local people for their work and preserving local livelihoods. Every thriving community needs this local economy to prosper.”

Mr Goodacre stressed shopping has never been safer as retailers continue to protect customers and staff with perspex screens, social distancing measures and hand sanitiser stations.

“Retail is based on fine margins of success and failure and money spent in a local shop goes a long way to preserving the local community spirit.

“My message to shoppers is straightforward – think local when it comes to shopping".

Support in store:

80% of FSB members have contributed to their local economy or charity in the past three years

89% offer some form of flexible working

95% have employed someone from a disadvantaged background

78% have taken on someone aged over 50

41% provide some form of work experience

38% donate time to their local area

32% offer local skills such as building and delivery

Shops combat Covid:

30% prioritised vulnerable and elderly for delivery during virus crisis

19% offered free deliveries during the pandemic

24% donated to local food banks during coronavirus

57% carried our community roles during COVID crisis

23% offered PPE, volunteered and offered accommodation for key workers

16% expanded their online presence since lockdown