THE town centre shutdown could change shopping habits forever, say customers and business owners.

Monday’s announcement about re-opening shops has caused quite a stir of conversation about the future of our high streets and shopping centres. Many fear queues, enclosed businesses and the ever-increasing demand for online shopping could completely change how we shop - even after the outbreak.

Shopper Tim Gillett said: “Even though shops may let say five people in at a time, I think people could be turned away from the big shopping centres and high streets if there are major queues, I for one avoid them at all costs.

“Before the outbreak started I often used the Royals Shopping Centre and will continue to do so, especially for places like the Grape Tree and their card shops. The trouble is people before were so used to nipping in and getting stuff straight away, but now even places like Poundland I expect there will be queues outside.”

The 59-year-old from Shoebury, added: “I just hope the grocers, butchers and independents still survive and people carry on using and supporting them.

“Ever since lockdown started I have gone to more traditional places like The Garrison Bakery and that sort of thing, rather than the larger supermarkets.

“I personally am most excited for our markets to re-open, roll on June 1.”

Paul Thompson, owner of Pebbles One on Southend seafront, said: “We opened here for takeaways 11 days ago and even then it’s been busy, but we have seen less customers than we expected.

“I think the high streets will lose a percentage of their customers where people have got used to shopping online over the last month, especially cinemas where most people have Netflix. Shoppers may also be hesitant to come out and visit an enclosed centre and queue, but time will tell.

“I worry they may be both in for a tough time.”

Others believe habits may stay the same, with shoppers searching for a sense of normality as restrictions are lifted.

Councillor Kevin Robinson, cabinet member for business, culture and tourism in Southend, said: “I think people will be going back to the shopping centres and high streets on the hunt for some sense of normality with everything going on.

“The social distancing measures which our supermarkets have been using seemed to have been working pretty well over the last couple of months, and I think it’s likely sales and special offers will tempt people back.”