UK retailers have been advised to consider early closure in areas where far-right gatherings are planned, following recent incidents of vandalism, arson and looting across the country.
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), representing approximately 50,000 small retailers in the UK, has recommended its members exercise caution in light of the ongoing unrest.
James Lowman, chief executive of the ACS, told Sky News that shopkeepers were “very, very concerned” about potential further disorder, with reports suggesting up to 30 additional gatherings planned for Wednesday evening.
“As well as police information, you’ve also got misinformation online, rumours, and so on,” Lowman said. “So it’s really difficult for retailers to make that decision. We would always urge retailers to err on the side of caution to make sure that they and their colleagues are safe.”
The British Retail Consortium held emergency talks on Wednesday, attended by police and government representatives, primarily focusing on safety measures. Further discussions are scheduled if the riots persist.
Businesses, including shops and hotels accommodating asylum seekers, have been targeted during the disturbances. Several stores have fallen victim to looting, including branches of Greggs and Lush in Hull, and a Sainsbury’s Local supermarket in Manchester.
Lowman highlighted the disproportionate impact on Asian and British Asian convenience store owners, who comprise nearly half of the UK’s convenience store proprietors. “For those people in particular, the undercurrent of racism that they’ve probably had to live with throughout their lives, this really brings that to the surface,” he stated.
The InterContinental Hotels Group, owner of the Holiday Inn brand, has called for “calm to be restored as soon as possible” following attacks on its properties in Rotherham and Tamworth over the weekend.
More than 400 people have been arrested in connection with the riots and disorder around the country since the Southport stabbings on July 29, with the number expected to rise in the coming days.
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