It’s the final lockdown? Or is it? Either way, there’s a song in there somewhere… But, while nothing is certain these days, let’s hope that we are at last emerging from the frustrating series of restrictions we’ve endured for the past twelve months.
Things are progressing at various stages in the four United Kingdom nations. Still, here in England, the retail sector is opening for business on Monday, April 12, and we hoping to be free of all social restrictions by the middle of June.
The camera trade is coming out of hibernation, and most stores will be open, with sensible restrictions, from next week. Earlier today, I spoke to both London Camera Exchange and Wex Photographic, two of the country’s leading retail chains. Both are looking forward to welcoming customers without an appointment from Monday. Leica’s Duke Street, Mayfair, store is also re-opening although, as with other retailers, there might have to be some restrictions on the numbers of customers in the store at the same time.
Leica dealer Red Dot Cameras, is also back in business but will operate an appointment-only service for the first few weeks.
Most of us feel deprived of a browse and a chat, so it is good news that we can return to our favourite stores. I have particularly missed wandering around London, visiting my friends at various stores, stopping for coffee here and there, and spending time writing the odd blog post. This can all start again from Monday, although it will be another month before I’ll be able to sit inside and do some serious WFC (work from cafes). But, step by step and I am sure we will get there.
I don’t know about you, but I’m raring to go. I’m looking forward to visiting the camera stores and making the usual nuisance of myself. Occasionally I might even buy something. I wonder if Red Dot is open to accepting reservations for a good pester?
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In Canada, we are quite inventive, and now have an enclosed entrance that is similar to a car wash. You wear swimming goggles and it sprays you with sanitizer with rotating nozzles. A high speed Dyson fan then quickly dries you off as the alcohol evaporates quickly. It is amazing. Wearing a dress is not recommended if you are modest.
Another aspect is that the lockdowns have been causing mental health issues but I have not noticed anything.
Is that the Non Compos Mentis sanitisation technique?
I am impressed – you made my day. I think you should start a Latin blog but it might be low participation but quite sophisticated. Well we are in a new shutdown so I will carpe vinum.
Id est et cetera quod erat demonstrandum…et reductio ad absurdum
If you film it in slow motion it resembles that little sequence on Top Gear where Jeremy Clarkson drives an Ariel Atom down the runway while wearing goggles.
I will be very happy to have my official Leica dealer in Chicago reopen. It’s not so much the equipment per se, as the sense of community that exists there along with organized groups of “photo walks” – a sort of “In the footsteps of Macfilos” – as we explore parts of the city.
Usual nuisance? Yes please. I’ve missed visiting camera shops particularly Park cameras in London. I used to go there almost once a month and the staff is always friendly and happy to pose as a model too, i.e. if my partner is not with me. One thing about lockdown is I’ve decided I’ll never buy anything brand new from internet only businesses.
We need these shops to provide usual nuisance!
I am looking forward to visiting real live camera shops again although last time I went to Leica Mayfair I ended up with a new MP. And I dare not walk into Red Dot with a credit card. But just to wander around the streets of London again will give me great pleasure.
I for one am a big fan of buying from a store not a computer so I hope everyone will visit retailers when possible!
I am not so sure about raring to go shopping, but I am happy to see some of the restrictions on life being eased.
If you get really creative reading the guidance, you will note there is some unique flexibility buried in there. You just need to know what you are looking at. People may do one or two more creative things than you have thought of.
Happy step 2.