BOSSES at a designer clothing store in Dunfermline admitted exploiting a “loophole” to get round lockdown restrictions in an attempt to save the business.

Non-essential shops were given the go-ahead to re-open in Scotland from Monday, including those in shopping centres with an outside entrance and exit.

But Shmooz, in the Kingsgate Shopping Centre, does not fall into that category and to get round the restrictions, they are stocking ‘essential’ face shields and face masks.

They won’t make a penny from selling these goods with proceeds going to NHS charities.

Shmooz said their decision to re-open on Monday “may be controversial but we are being open and honest”.

In a Facebook post they said outlets like theirs were being “singled out unfairly by having to stay shut for a further three to six weeks longer than all other shops in Scotland”.

And they explained: “This is highly likely to be the final nail for many businesses resulting in more closed shops and lost jobs.

“If Shmooz was a human, the effect of COVID-19 would mean that the business would currently be hooked up to a ventilator.

“A ventilator can only temporarily prolong life.

“Stocking a range of ‘essentials’ is our loophole and we appreciate some of you may not agree with this but needs must.

“We have been backed into a corner, so it is time to fight and we make no apology for opening our doors on June 29.”

They continued: “In Scotland, the likes of M&S and Next have been selling their clothing ranges for some time now on the back of having ‘essential items’ in store.

“From June 29, Shmooz will have their very own ‘essential’ range too!”

Shmooz paid tribute to customers who had bought goods online from the shop and said their “support has been critical in keeping the business alive and has been very much appreciated”.

Bosses said that all government health and safety and hygiene measures were being adhered to strictly with a maximum of 10 customers allowed in the shop at one time.

They also implemented a one-way system, there’s a perspex screen at the till, two-metre floor markings, a hand-sanitising station and staff have been issued with face coverings.

For those who can’t or don’t wish to visit, the shop is still offering a free local delivery service.

Queues stretched from High Street and snaked down New Row as some Dunfermline town centre stores re-opened on Monday morning.

There was a large queue outside Primark shortly before 9am which stretched back to the top of the High Street and then down New Row.

Dunfermline’s Debenhams store, situated in the Kingsgate, also re-opened on Monday after fears earlier in the year the branch faced closure.