Earlier this month, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that he would look to ease restrictions on some shops at the start of June.
A new government document suggested that, from June 1, non-essential retailers could be allowed to reopen to the public, once they meet new Covid-19 safety and security guidelines.
Some shops which had previously been considered 'non-essential', such as Matalan and Dunelm, have already been able to reopen successfully, suggesting that more retail outlets could soon follow.
The plans state that stores are set to be reopened in phases, with politicians set to issue further guidance on which businesses will be included in each phase and time-frame.