Metro Melbourne retailers have rejoiced in the news that they are able to officially open back up from 11.59pm tonight.
Following a day of zero cases in Victoria and mounting pressure from industry groups and the Federal Government to reopen, Premier Daniel Andrews announced the welcome news to the state in his daily press conference yesterday.
"These results give us confidence – confidence that even if we do identify positive cases in any further tests – we are firmly on top of this virus," Andrews said.
"It’s why I can confirm what we’ve long waited for: Melbourne will move out of lockdown and into the Third Step.
"Under the Third Step, and from 11:59pm on Tuesday, Melbourne will move from “stay home” to “stay safe”, with no more restrictions on the reasons to leave home.
"Melbourne’s cafes, restaurants and pubs can reopen. Outdoors with a limit of up to 50, indoors up to 20.
"Density limits, record keeping and COVIDSafe plans also apply.
"Remaining retail will also open.
"Beauty and personal care services can resume.
"And for those businesses who need to get ready for their reopening – staff will be able to attend onsite straight away," Andrews said.
Victorian retailers have been in enforced lockdown for 112 days since the beginning of the second wave, with the ripple effects of the closed economy impacting the rest of the country.
In its latest release of preliminary retail trade figures, the ABS reported that it expects September to record a 1.5% drop in retail turnover, as Victoria was still closed during the month.
However, The Standard Store owner Nicola Reindorf believes that now is the time for the resurgence in high street shopping and supporting local.
"The reopening of Melbourne, seems quite surreal, it's been so long since things were "normal" that I cannot begin to imagine what it will be like.
"Especially as I am in Sydney, I wish I could go down there, be there for my staff, and celebrate with them.
"For us the lockdown has been catastrophic, it resulted in our eviction from our Sydney store, which I didn't think was possible.
"I have really had to question why I work in fashion, and dig really deep to stay positive.
"But ultimately I am in this game because I love it.
"Fashion, beautiful things... they bring a bit of happiness to the world, and I think we all need that.
"Ultimately I am really positive about Melbourne and the retail climate, I know the people will support their favourite stores.
"None of us are going overseas for quite some time, so I think this is a wonderful opportunity for the resurgence of the high st and supporting local," she said.
The Australian Retailers Association CEO Paul Zahra added that retailers need to ensure they have a COVID-safe plan in place before reopening.
"It is with heartfelt relief that we can finally celebrate some good news with our Victorian members and fellow Australians - with the retail reopening date for metropolitan Melbourne.
"The ARA has been strongly championing an ‘every day counts’ message, along with dark store access immediately to allow your teams to get their stores prepared before opening to customers.
"Your staff are now permitted back into any Melbourne metropolitan stores to begin your COVID-safe and Christmas preparations, prior to the official reopening date.
"Whilst we recognise this is tight timing, as every day counts during this critical Christmas trading period, we recognise the value in opening as quickly as practically possible rather than suffering further delays.
"In essence, Victorian retailers need to continue the good work to keep stores, staff and customers safe and ensure you have a COVIDSafe Plan in place before re-opening," he said.
Other key announcements made by Premier Andrews included no household limit on outdoor gatherings of 10 people, increased limits on faith gatherings, weddings and funerals and the ability for libraries and community centres to hold outdoor events.