The BA has issued a Bookshops Open for Business Guide to all members, setting out key things to consider for bookshops planning to reopen.

The Bookshops Open for Business Guide includes POS kits, advice on phased or limited reopening and staffing, safety precautions in line with Government guidelines, managing mental health and wellbeing, staff and customer safety, creating events and fostering community, and links to suppliers for PPE and related items.

The POS kit includes posters, window cars, till cards and more, letting customers know that stores are open, while reminding browsers to keep a safe distance.
The Guide sets out some of the options for bookshops looking to reopen, such as offering click-and-collect; ‘Argos style’ bookshops with one customer at a time coming to the till with a specific request; reduced opening hours; limiting the number of people allowed instore at a time; and allowing time for deep cleaning, in addition to the latest information from publishers and distributors on supply and returns.
From a health and safety point of view, the Guide sets out the latest guidelines on ensuring staff and customer safety and protecting staff’s mental health and wellbeing, including: risk assessments, safety precautions, tips on reorganising browsing space, what to do if someone becomes unwell, advice on PPE, and information on mental health charity retailTRUST.

Andy Rossiter, BA President, said: “The choice of when and how to open is not necessarily straightforward. At the BA, we continue to liaise with suppliers, other retail bodies and trade organisations, and booksellers’ associations around the world, to gather best practice advice. We hope that the Guide will support bookshops no matter their approach, and that the POS kit will help booksellers in creating safe spaces for book lovers across the country. In addition to the clear challenges from a business perspective, there will also be an emotional toll on many booksellers at this time, and we want them to know that we will be here for them every step of the way, and that there are many other organisations that can offer support too.”
Bookshops are due to begin reopening in the UK from 15 June in line with current Government guidelines. From 20-27 June independent bookshops across the UK will celebrate Independent Bookshop Week, with virtual events, online book clubs and more.