Retailers running shops in areas where far-right gatherings are planned today (7) have been urged to "err on the side of caution" following cases of vandalism, arson and looting in parts of the country facing anti-migrant protests.
The Association Of Convenience Stores, which represents around 50,000 small retailers in the UK, said it was advising its members to remain cautious following riots in recent days.
Speaking to Sky News, ACS chief executive James Lowman said that convenience store owners and small retailers are "very, very concerned" about further disorder, amid reports that up to 30 further gatherings are planned for today (7) evening.
Lowman said retailers faced a dilemma over whether to close early for the day, as not all planned gatherings would necessarily go ahead and some previous disturbances had happened at random.
"As well as police information, you've also got misinformation online, rumours, and so on. 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," he said.
It estimated that the four days of violence cost the UK between £200m and £500m in damages, lost trade and policing. Several high street stores have been the victim of lootings and attacks during the wave of violence that has spread across cities including Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol and Belfast.
Windsor Mini Mart in Southport, Sham Supermarket in Belfast and King Store in Liverpool are some of the convenience stores that are badly impacted in the riots. In Manchester, Sainsbury’s Mosley Street local store was forced to close after rioters ransacked its shelves. An Iceland was also looted in Middlesbrough.
Revealing that just under half of convenience store owners in the UK define themselves as being of Asian or British Asian ethnicity, Lowman said, "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."
"It is about, fundamentally, that people are more important than property and making sure you're erring on the side of caution to make sure people working in the business, and indeed customers who might come into the store, are safe and not caught up in any of these incidents," Lowman said.
Sky News further reported that police sources are aware of more than 100 far-right protests and 30 counter events planned this evening. Out of the 43 police forces in England and Wales, 41 are expecting events. More than 6,000 specialist police officers have been mobilised ahead of expected violence and disorder tonight.
Meanwhile, a leading retail charity has stated that it is seeing a rise in distress calls.
Chris Brook-Carter, chief executive of retail industry charity the Retail Trust, said," The Retail Trust is seeing a rise in calls from retail staff fearing for their safety following looting and vandalism in shops across the country and we are working closely with affected retailers to ensure their colleagues are getting the support they need to deal with any difficult experiences.
“We know there will be many more retail workers out there with worries and concerns so we’d encourage anyone to call the Retail Trust’s 24-hour helpline on 0808 801 0808 if they need in-the-moment wellbeing support or specialist help from our counselling team following incidents of in-store violence, criminal damage or theft."
