Despite non-essential retail shops such as jewellery shops, clothing and accessories shops, shoe shops and souvenir shops being allowed to open their doors as of last Monday, Valletta’s streets remain empty without shoppers, tourists or office workers to fill the space.

While the Capital is known to quieten down somewhat once the temperatures rise, with locals preferring to head to the beaches rather than roam Valletta, the presence of tourists and office workers usually means a level of activity is maintained throughout the year.

Republic Street, Valletta at around noon on Thursday / All photos by Luke Anastasi

The COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in social-distancing measures, stay-at-home advice and the closing of Malta’s air and sea ports to commercial travel means normally busy areas like Valletta have remained empty since around mid-March.

The 1st May announcement that specified non-essential retail outlets would be allowed to open on 4th May caught many by surprise, however Chamber of SMEs Chief Executive Officer Abigail Mamo maintains that members largely expressed support for the move to reopen shops.

“It’s been a week of adjustment,” she said in comments to WhosWho.mt. Ms Mamo stressed that the latest relaxation of measures represents the initial stages of re-starting Malta’s economy and carving out a new normal.

Merchant Street, Valletta

Asked whether, without tourists, the absence of office workers has made it all the more difficult for retail outlets, Ms Mamo said it is difficult to pinpoint which factor contributes to the largest hit to business.

“In reality, some shops have reported a level of sales, which is good. It depends on the type of store too – we have been told that outlets targeting younger generations and children have started to sell some items.

“Shops with higher-value items, which tend to not be priority purchases, reported no sales when they were asked on Wednesday,” she said.

Republic Street, Valletta

Ms Mamo added that businesses targeting older generations have also reported difficulty, understandable since people aged over 65 and other vulnerable persons to the virus have been told to remain indoors and leave only for essential errands.

“From here, things can only get better,” she emphasised, on the proviso that shop staff consistently insist that workers and customers alike do not enter the stores without wearing a face-mask and applying hand sanitiser.

“Business confidence is key at this crucial time. Workers and customers alike need to feel safe and confident that when they enter a shop, all COVID-19 mitigation measures are being respected,” Ms Mamo said.

Asked whether any stores chose not to open, in light of the short notice period of just one weekend given by Government, Ms Mamo said she is not aware of shops that chose not to open, adding however that opening hours have been quite erratic, with some choosing to open late and others closing early.

Area outside the Law Courts, Republic Street

Ms Mamo confirmed that souvenir shops did get in touch with the Chamber following the Government announcement, since such outlets mainly target tourists. Workers in Valletta this morning confirmed that a number chose to open their doors, while others took the decision to remain shut.

The Chamber of SMEs CEO also highlighted staffing issues outlets faced when trying to open on short notice. Staff with children who would ordinarily leave them with grandparents – considered vulnerable people – are reluctant to do so due to their own exposure to the public.

Ms Mamo said, however, that since demand is lower, many shops are finding that they need less staff to operate, helping with any staffing issues.

In addition, she said that landlords are renegotiating following the news that their tenants are allowed to re-open their business, causing many shops to open their doors in order to generate any revenue that can begin to meet rent and other rising costs.

“Overall, it was a week of adjustment, with many businesses finding their feet and beginning to move forward. Most have reported they are happy to be able to re-open,” Ms Mamo said.

She added that clothing and shoe shop owners have been very understanding of the ban on changing rooms.

Ms Mamo remarked that people continue to make purchases they need, in a similar way they would when shopping online, and that the new restrictions have led to further creativity and flexibility among local businesses.