Retailers in Northern Ireland will take a "huge step in the right direction" today when many open their doors for the first time in three months.
After the latest lockdown restrictions were eased, all non-essential shops were given the go ahead to re-open.
While exact figure for how many shops will re-open is unclear, Belfast Chamber said it expects a "considerable number of stores in the city centre" to re-open today and over the coming days, with many non-essential stores in towns and villages across the north also due to open again.
Earlier this week, high street retailer Debenhams opened its doors, while outdoor markets and car showrooms were also permitted to re-open.
Last-minute preparations were underway at many stores in Belfast city centre throughout yesterday, from cleaning windows to restocking produce, as retailers set about opening up for the first time since lockdown came into effect in March.
But the rules around shops re-opening involve a new version of 'normal', with customers and retail staff having to adhere to strict measures in a bid to reduce the transmission of the virus.
Shoppers should expect to wait in queues outside stores, with restrictions on the number of people entering at any one time, while entrances of shops are to remain open.
Many shops have also said that close-contact services such as clothes fitting and make-up are to remain suspended until further notice. Hairdressers, beauty salons, pubs, clubs and restaurants remain shut.
Glyn Roberts, chief executive of Retail NI, said while it was good news that shops were re-opening, it would not be an easy process for many retailers.
"When shops were given the green light earlier this week, they've been working hard to get prepared to re-open," he said.
"Not only have they been talking to their staff about re-opening, but also their suppliers.
"For some, it's not as easy to have a quick turn around for opening on Friday, some are not opening until Monday because they want to ensure they have got things right.
"It's also an expensive process - for most they have had no income for the past three months and now they have the costs associated with re-opening such as perspex screens and signage - all of this is an expensive process."
Mr Roberts appealed to customers to "be patient" with retailers as they open their doors again.
"This is clearly a transition period for retailers, so we would ask customers to be respectful of shop staff," he said.
"Things can't go back straight to the way they were, things are going to be different, but they are not insurmountable.
"We are still continuing to seek guidance for the opening of our high streets, we need changes to be put in place to deal with, for example, the multiple queues - a lot of things need to be done to see the practical nature of operating the high street in covid times.
"We need to ensure that customers have confidence in returning to stores and bringing their families back."
Simon Hamilton, chief executive of Belfast Chamber said they expect many stores to re-open again today.
"With the vast majority of businesses closed for nearly three months, it is great to see Belfast city centre slowly but surely opening up again," he said.
"Belfast Chamber has been working in partnership with Belfast City Council and other partners and stakeholders to get the city open for business and in a way that is safe for staff and for customers.
"Whilst it is clear that footfall is likely to remain down for some net one yet, this is a huge step in the right direction for our members and the city’s economy".
