Joy over new nails and John Lewis reopening

Customers were snapped smiling having their nails done and waiting in socially distanced queues outside John Lewis, after the Government announced they could officially reopen on Friday.

Beautician, Huong Ngyuen, from Kim’s Nails told the Gazette: “It has been slow this morning welcoming customers back.

“We have four beauticians and two customers sitting in our salon having their nails done.

“It’s so good to be back after so many months.”

One shopper, Olivia Kynaston, 16, from Brookvale, was impressed with the service she received at USA Nails on Church Street.

Olivia Kynaston had an amazing experience getting her mani-pedi at USA Nails this morning

She said: “It’s amazing to have my nails and toe nails done.

“It’s really clean and not too busy, and I felt safe inside the nail bar.

“I was so excited to get them done and woke up at 7.30am for my appointment.

“Nail bars are doing better than pubs.”

Inside USA Nails, there is a plastic sheet erected between each nail booth and a chair wedged between each customer for those booked in for pedicures.

Owner of USA Nails, Kim Le, explained the walk-in process where customers would fill in a treatment consent form before their appointment was due to start.

Owner of USA Nails, Kim Le, explained her process of allowing customers into her nail bar

Only seven people are allowed in the nail bar at one time and all have to wear masks and use hand sanitiser.

“When customers walk in, I take their temperature before they sit down and clean the tables and chairs thoroughly.

“It’s nice being back at work and customers are happy to have their nails done,” Kim said.

But not all nail bars across Basingstoke were in full operation.

Owner of Nail Master, Michael Hong, was busy painting the inside of his shop before reopening on Friday, July 17.

Owner of Nail Master, Michael Hong, was painting painting the inside of his nail bar before hoping to reopen on Friday

He said: “I hope my store is back in action at the end of this week once the painting is complete.

“It’s been a really long time coming and I can’t wait to reopen.

“Four staff members will be returning to work, and I anticipate a busy few weeks ahead.”

Meanwhile, eighteen people were seen patiently waiting outside John Lewis this morning as the store reopened at 10am.

The first customer to enter John Lewis this morning, Sabine, was given a free bottle of champagne

Staff were positioned at the door, asking customers whether they would be visiting John Lewis or Waitrose.

But one raised her concerns about social distancing inside the store.

Shopper, Maevis Brown, told the Gazette: “Social distancing is important.

"It seems ok at the moment but some people are standing too close to each other and not following the arrows properly.”