Updated shop opening times

We've had to make some changes to our opening times in our Whitley Bay store as the country continues to battle against the Covid-19 virus.

Don't worry, only Friday closing time is affected and we're just changing it by an hour so we hope this doesn't cause you too much inconvenience.

So until further notice, our temporary store opening times are:

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

10:00am to 4:00pm

Saturday

9:30am to 5:30pm

Although we prefer all in store payments to be made via card/contactless, we are now also accepting cash again.

We are continuing to monitor all UK government advice to keep everyone as safe as possible. Please wear a mask when you come in store - we will be too. If you have downloaded the NHS Covid-19 App, you can scan our QR code when you enter, which is in both windows. Our fitting room is still temporarily unavailable but if you buy something which doesn't fit you are still able to call back and exchange/refund it.

Thanks to you all for your continued support. We will get through this.

Store re-opening date confirmed

It has been a long time but we are finally getting ready to re-open our Whitley Bay store after over three months of being closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

We will be re-opening on Saturday 27 June at 10am to 4pm.

Our normal store hours will resume thereafter on Tuesday but please bear in mind that there may be times when, due to public transport, we might not be there in time. We will try and update any delays via our social media pages.

"Wish" orders will also resume from that date but we expect it may take some time for things to get back to normal.

We have introduced several new measures in store to comply with government guidelines:

• Only 3 people/households in store at any one time

• Hand sanitiser available for use

• Fitting room will be temporarily closed but this will be reviewed

• Screen guard at the counter to protect you and our staff

• Regular cleaning in operation especially at 'touch points'

• Card payments ONLY. No cash will be accepted for the time being

• Any returned items will be isolated for 72 hours

• We may ask you to pack your own order to reduce contact

Please be patient if you visit. This is new to us too and we will try our very best to make your shopping experience a good one. If the shop is busy you will be asked to wait outside until someone leaves. If you have any feedback, please tell us rather than tell others.

We are continuing to offer free local delivery and are also planning some evening shopping events in store too - stand by for more information coming soon.

Something important to mention is that North Tyneside Council are planning to make changes to Park View to allow for safer social distancing whilst shoppers are in the street. This includes closing the road to normal traffic and widening the pavements and walking areas. We know that car parking isn't great anyway on Park View but please plan your journey in advance if you're coming to visit. We recommend you park at the Playhouse car park and just walk up to Park View from there which will take you 2 minutes. It isn't an ideal situation but please don't let these restrictions put you off - everyone is still here and waiting to welcome you back.

Thank you once again to everyone who has supported us during this time. It has been strange. But we can't wait to be back and seeing you in store again.

Coming out of lockdown

The UK Government has recently announced a tentative date of 15 June 2020 as the time when all non-essential retail stores can start to re-open. This of course is subject to change, depending on what happens between now and then.

We are monitoring the situation on a daily basis and will be taking a cautious approach to re-opening our Whitley Bay store.

As much as we miss being on the high street greatly, we need to ensure the safety of our staff and customers and so it is looking likely that we will introduce a phased opening of the shop again from early July. We hope you can understand why we are doing this, and that you will continue to support us as normal.

Coming out of lockdown for a business is a very important element of re-starting the UK economy and we are going to be implementing various measures in line with official guidelines. These include social distancing, a maximum number of people in the store at any time, a temporary closure of our fitting room, hand sanitiser facilities and regular cleaning schedules within the shop. We will also need to slightly change the way that we serve you in store and this means we will only be taking card payments, as well as some other subtle differences which we will let you know of in due course.

Our opening hours are going to be slightly different too, as the country gets back in the habit of shopping again.

Please note that for the time being 'Wish' orders and collections will continue to be suspended - this will change and we'll of course keep you posted. This does not affect any orders placed on our own website.

We will regularly post updates on our website and social media pages so please keep checking back for the latest.

THANK YOU to everyone who has been shopping local via our online store. Your support has been amazing through all of this and your loyalty means a lot to us. Hopefully it won't be long before we see you all face to face (although hugs will have to wait sadly).