Independently owned shops in Glasgow's Trongate react to Tier 4 coronavirus restrictions

Other businesses in the area fear the impact of missing out on Christmas footfall.

Restaurants, shops, and pubs across Greater Glasgow will close for three weeks from 6pm when the city moves to level four Covid-19 rules today. 

For Trongate businesswoman Carol Wilson, there is concern her Saltmarket restoration store Shabby Upcyclers may never open again. 

Carol Wilson, The Shabby Upcyclers

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She said: “It is going to affect business big time. We might actually close. 
“Everybody’s health comes first but if only we all did what we were told we wouldn’t be in this situation.”

She added with the possibly unsold stock and closed doors “there might not be a 2021” for her store. 

Shabby Upcyclers only opened at the end of the first lockdown in August selling handmade and sustainable items. 

Ms Wilson added: “The Shabby Upcyclers has brought a bit of quirkiness into this part of Glasgow.”

While she struggles with moving her store online, she maintains an optimistic outlook and added she can “just keep smiling” and hope her business makes it through lockdown. 

Kev Harper, TeeShirtNation

Kev Harper, of TeeShirtNation, also stressed public health was “paramount” but believes the stricter restrictions will put a lot of pressure on the King Street store.

“Obviously, we are concerned, “ Mr Harper, above left, said. 

“Especially in this end of the town because there are a lot of empty units so attracting business to this area is already quite hard.

“We were starting to get our Christmas rush and Christmas is a big period for us. 
“Hopefully, it won’t impact us too much but that is a concern for us.”

The national lockdown has had a knock-on effect on Mr Harper’s business with customers unaware the store is still open.

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Secondhand instrument shop Strung Out was looking forward to the Christmas period to make up for sales lost during the lockdown from March to June. 

Paula Russell and Paul Robertson

Co-owner Paula Russell said: “It is just such a big issue but everyone is in the same boat and we just need to keep that in mind.” 

Employee Paul Roberston, bottom left, added: “It seems frustrating but it is the right thing and sooner is better than later. 

“We are not a huge company so we have been really lucky with the people who have been with us for the past couple of months.”

However, the business has seen a boost after the first lockdown with many people “bored in their house” taking up instruments. 

Paula added: “Hopefully when we are back next month it will be pretty full on.”
Meanwhile, independent record shop Monorail Music feels much more prepared for this closure than the previous. 

In March the business closed down their entire operation, but this time around the feel confident in their online store. 

Co-owner Stephen McRobbie said: “The last time it was very unknown territory for us and we have got an online side but we initially shut everything down.  

“I do worry about slightly more vulnerable businesses.”

He added: “Our situation is probably quite different from a lot of people because we have migrated a lot of our business online this year. 

“I have confidence in the Scottish Government. It is difficult but people’s health is more important and it is more important to follow guidelines and try to ease the pressure on the NHS and vulnerable people. It is not ideal but it is just the circumstances.”