Derry book shop owenr Jenni Doherty
Shops not considered essential have been subject to the lockdown restrictions since Boxing Day, December 26.
Click and collect services have been allowed for some of that period.
Derry and Strabane Council is now easing its way out of its third lockdown.
It went its second lockdown last October after a huge spike in Coronavirus cases.
Bookshop owner Jenni Doherty says reopening is like “being excited for going on holiday, but you’re maybe a bit nervous about flying”.
Jenni, whose shop is in derry, said there was an element of “anticipation but trepidation” as business owners get ready to reopen after being closed for so long.
“All of us in retail might be feeling a bit rusty,” she told BBC News NI.
“If I’m being honest I’m hoping folks won’t bombard the shops this Friday – I’m not expecting it to be busy, it’s more about seeing faces back.
“I would say to people maybe add on a wee bit of extra time to do their shopping and be a bit patient.”
Although online orders during lockdown helped Jenni’s business survive lockdown, she said she looked forward to “face to face connection and all the things that go with that.”
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