Buckie Community Shop ready to open once more
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ONE local store looking forward to Monday's easing of lockdown restrictions and the chance to reopen their doors is Buckie Community Shop.
The volunteer-staffed store, which opened last October with the goal of raising funds for local community projects, will join many other businesses in re-emerging from the imposition of lockdown and will be welcoming customers from 10am.
Jane Murray, who runs the shop, said: "We have implemented a number of changes to our ways of working to help protect our customers and and volunteers.
"We want everyone to enjoy shopping with us. Sneeze guards and a hand sanitiser station as you enter the premises have been installed and we will also be wearing face shields/masks.
"Please follow social distancing whilst in our shop. Floor markings will be in place and our team will be on hand to help. We will be limiting the number of people to three individuals or one family allowed into our shop at any given time, to help with social distancing.
"Please see window posters or speak to a member of our local shop team for help. Please contact us on (01542) 835908 if you have any questions."
Donations from the public are still being accepted – although not toys and games, bric-a-brac, duvets/pillows or large furniture at this time due to lack of storage space – and can be left at an exterior drop-off point which can be accessed through the side gate at the building. Those handing in a large quantity of items are asked to phone the shop beforehand to arrange a drop-off time.
All donations will be quarantined for a minimum of 72 hours before they are sorted and put on sale. Antibacterial wipes will be used on non-clothing items where possible and all garments are steamed thoroughly before they go on the shop floor.
Customers who are wearing gloves will be asked to remove them and use the hand sanitiser provided. Fresh gloves will be supplied on leaving the store.
The changing rooms in the shop are closed for the time being, with a 30-day returns policy in operation to allow customers to try on clothes at home.
Mrs Murray added: "We are always looking for volunteers to help out and when we re-open we'll need our fantastic volunteers even more.
"Our shop is a great way to meet new people and become part of your local community. You can volunteer for a morning or a few days a week, it’s up to you. Help collect and sort goods, serve customers, create eye catching displays and more. It is also a great way to boost your CV.
"All this, while having fun in a friendly, supportive environment."
Buckie Community Shop will be operating on a reduced hours basis: Monday to Friday, 10am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4pm, closed between 12.30pm and 1.30pm for lunch.
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