PETALING JAYA: While the reopening of fashion, clothing and accessories stores for fully vaccinated customers is seen by business owners as the right step forward, they are careful to ensure everyone stays safe.

       Vincent Siow, who runs a menswear boutique in Bangsar Village II, said it was already open for business, adding that he and all his staff had been fully vaccinated since June.

       Business sense: (From left) Siow, Rinaldi, Low and Cheong.

       “I believe that with proper SOP, wearing face masks and careful sanitising, there should not be a problem dealing with customers physically.

       “For me, the worry isn’t so much about catching Covid-19 but more about getting the business back on track,” he said.

       Siow said as at noon on Monday, he had yet to receive any walk-in customers, adding that his retail team was instead busy with tidying and organising the boutique.

       Designer Rico Rinaldi started opening his boutiques in Hartamas and Bangi yesterday while his retail space at Isetan KLCC will be welcoming shoppers today.

       “My staff and I are fully vaccinated and we will strictly follow the SOP. No fittings will be allowed,” Rinaldi said, adding that his clients had been very supportive, sending him messages of encouragement and reminders to stay safe.

       Jewellery brand Wanderlust + Co will not be reopening its stores for the time being and will instead continue with online sales.

       Founder Jenn Low said she was worried for the safety of her staff as not everyone in her team had completed their two vaccine shots.

       She believes public safety should remain a priority as well.

       “As not just a business owner but also a mother, I think we have to appropriately balance commercial and health needs during this difficult time,” added Low.

       Other businesses in fashion retail are also in the midst of deciding whether to continue with online sales only.

       Welcoming the move for stores to reopen, Datuk Irwin Cheong, the coordinator of Industries Unite, a coalition of 117 Malaysian trade associations and chambers of commerce, said business owners remained cautious.

       “Retailers welcome the good news on the reopening as it gives them some relief,” he said.