UK to reopen thousands of shops in easing of coronavirus lockdown

Thousands of non-essential retail outlets will reopen in the UK next month as part of efforts to ease the coronavirus lockdown.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the announcement, giving the retailers three weeks to prepare.

"Today, I want to give the retail sector notice of our intentions to reopen shops, so they too can get ready," he said. "These are careful but deliberate steps on the road to rebuilding our country."

High street shops, department stores and shopping centres will reopen from June 15, while outdoor markets and car showrooms can start operations from June 1 as long as they completed a risk assessment.

"Enabling these businesses to open will be a critical step on the road to rebuilding our economy, and will support millions of jobs across the UK," Business minister Alok Sharma said in a statement.