After months of being forced to close their doors, shop owners in Wimbledon have reported several successful reopenings. 

Since the start of the pandemic, many have questioned whether businesses will be able to survive the unprecedented struggles. 

And further questioned what the future would look like for high street stores. 

However, Wimbledon Town Centre has made a strong comeback and has managed to adapt to Covid-19 in many ways... 

Social distancing and hygiene 
Bars, restaurants and pubs have developed socially-distanced settings by reopening for outdoor dining including; Bill’s, Wahaca, 601 Queen’s Road and Al Forno. 

Businesses have also extended their pavements to make space for social distancing. 

Business district, Love Wimbledon, provided pavement vinyls to help residents keep socially-distanced in queues.

Contactless public hand sanitiser stations can be found on The Piazza and outside Wimbledon Station.

Wimbledon Times: Credit to Love Wimbledon Credit to Love Wimbledon

New stores 
Since reopening, Wimbledon has welcomed new market traders including a gluten-free baker, a stained glass artist and Indian street food. 

Brand new businesses have also set up shop in the town centre including; Mooboo (bubble tea), Robunmo (Chinese snacks) and AFC Wimbledon. 

Footfall 
It has been reported that many businesses have met or exceeded their targets after re-opening. 

Wimbledon Times: Love WimbledonLove Wimbledon

A spokesperson for Love Wimbledon said: "With social distancing measures in place and a slightly new way of working, businesses are delighted to have returned to our lovely town.

"On the footfall front, Wimbledon is performing above the trend and continues to rise week on week. 

"Last week had a nice, buzzy feel to it and the market was booming as well."

Love Wimbledon added: "Although August is typically a quieter month, this year it is likely to be busy. 

"Many will take advantage of the new Eat Out To Help Out Scheme in our restaurants and cafés.

"Consumer confidence is gradually increasing, with face coverings becoming the norm, and we are pleased to be supporting businesses' extending pavement licenses and the promotion of the Cycle Recovery scheme with Evans Cycles."

How has your business recovery been? tell us your story at monica.charsley@newsquest.co.uk