OD’s, which has men’s, women’s, jewellery and kids stores in St Helens, has faced the challenges of having its doors shut since the end of March.

And, like many businesses, it has had to turn to support grants and put staff on the furlough scheme while awaiting a signal from government to reopen its shop floors.

However, the award-winning retailer, owned by Chris O’Dea, has managed to weather the storm to some degree by maintaining its online store.

Mr O’Dea says his business was well down the path of sharpening its digital operations when the pandemic hit, placing it on a strong footing to navigate the hurdles many more traditional independent firms are facing.

He said: “We had already been gearing the business up more for online because we could see that was the way things were going.

“We had been reducing the amount of shop floor space already as we were seeing increasing demand online and I can’t see that demand reducing. A lot of people who were reluctant online shoppers and maybe didn’t trust it will be converts now.

“Other businesses will need to look at that and think ‘have I got a good enough digital offer’ and look at what they do. I am willing to offer advice – we’ve been doing digital for a long time and know the mistakes that can be made.”

Mr O’Dea, who has set up a unit on Cotham Street for click and collect orders, will aim to open his shops in line with the Government’s proposed date of June 15.

Chris O'Dea says digital operations are key to businesses moving forwards

The stores are being readied to meet what the Prime Minister describes as “covid-secure”, with social distancing markers in place along with more exit and entry points. Staff will also wear protective equipment.

Digital will play a big part in how the stores operate too, with shoppers able to go online and book an appointment slot for when they want to shop. Customers will still be able to visit to the store without a booking though.

Mr O’Dea added: “A lot of emphasis needs to be on shop local – more than ever. When people are buying things from national online stores, just remember the goods may be being picked and packed in Birmingham – that doesn’t protect jobs in St Helens.

“We have got to pull together – use local suppliers. For instance, Vinyline have installed all the social distancing signs in our stores and designed our advertising artwork supporting the NHS.”