THE future of the high street after coronavirus is the priority for businesses reopening after lockdown.

For Cumbria’s famous Bookends book shop, which has branches in Carlisle and Keswick, 40 years of experience has informed its approach in these uncertain times, owner Steve Matthews explains.

“We’ve been available for click-and-collect from people and it’s surprising how that has continued,” he said. “We’ve always done a bit of business over the internet, but that has increased significantly over lockdown which has been an interesting development.”

Now, like so many businesses in the region, Bookends is looking to adapt quickly to the Government’s relaxation of lockdown rules this month.

“We have got the garden looking really nice and got some gazebos out. People seem to be enjoying it and the fact they can get out and about again and have a drink in nice surroundings. That said, a big thing for us is laying on events which I now customers love. We’re looking forward to eventfully bringing those back, but I’d imagine we’ll have to wait a little while yet for that.

For Mr Matthews, however, he is starting to cast his eye on the long-term health of the struggling high street and Bookends’ future within that.

“We’re hoping with staycations with people coming up to Cumbria on breaks, that we will see some good custom in summer.

“The real talking point now is the long-term prospect for the high street and whether people will return to normal shopping as opposed to online after the pandemic. We could lose a percentage of people. That said, people may be looking for places in city centres for more leisure time activities, for places to have coffee and to have a browse. Hopefully we’re well positioned.”

Towns that can attract people for a day out in our region will emerge in time in good health, Mr Matthews said. “Keswick is a destination town and Carlisle is unique in that it is a real regional hub, as well as attracting tourists.”

He speaks of the wider changes that have occurred within the industry, especially when it comes to the presence of online retailers such as Amazon and Audible, but remains in hopeful tone.

“We’ve come through a lot of times of adaptation, be it the rise of Amazon, then e-books.

“We hope that we offer something that can’t be found online. We’re very family based and make people feel at home and welcome.

"Online services cannot offer that personal touch.”