Shorter opening hours and fewer staff: The new way of trading when London shops reopen

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Queues will be the new normal when shoppers return to London's West End next month, according to business leaders.

Shorter opening hours and fewer staff will also be essential elements of the new way of trading.

The New West End Company representing businesses in Oxford St, Regent St and Bond St said reopening posed 'extraordinary challenges'.

The 'golden triangle' of leading stores attracted 100m shoppers a year before and contributed £10bn to the economy before the coronavirus epidemic.

A view along Regent Street, London, looking from Oxford Circus

The Prime Minister yesterday gave the green light for shops selling non essential goods to open their doors on June 15th.

John Lewis said fitting rooms would stay closed and 'close contact beauty services' including make-up would not be offered.

Transport for London said it was in talks with the government about how to manage the return of shoppers and staff.