Non-essential shops across Wales reopened their doors today after almost four months of lockdown.

The high street never quite bustled, but retailers across the town breathed a sigh of relief upon receiving a "steady stream" of returning shoppers.

"It's lovely being back open," Homemade Wales owner Fay Blakely told Nub News. "It's been steady, which is nice."

"I was really excited this morning, as my children went back to school today as well. It very much felt like 'back to school', I had my bag packed and an early night," she continued.

"I just hope this is it now. I think Barry's in a really good position to thrive, for the sheer number of independents we've got.

"We are very much a town of independents now, and we are a visitor destination, so with those restrictions lifted, we could potentially have a really good summer.

"The irony is, I'm desperate to go to these shops now, and I'm in here!"

Jill Mathews of Giggles Toy Shop was equally enthusiastic about the reopening.

"I didn't sleep last night!," she said.

"It's lovely to be open again. We're all very nervous about opening up, but it's really exciting. We've had lots of messages from people wishing us luck.

"We've had a few people come in already, they can't wait to come back into the shops."

It's not only shops in the town centre that reopened this morning. Traders in the recently completed Goodsheds development on Hood Road are thrilled that the restrictions have been lifted, particularly as the "sustainable high street" was only open for business between August and December 2020.

Natalie Bolan of Dimensional Art told Nub News:

"People are still finding us at the GoodSheds I think. People from outside here seem to know we're here, but many in Barry don't.

"It's good to be open, there's a lot of people walking around and looking. It's better to be open than closed!"

Hayley McGhan, who runs the homemade children's clothes shop Zac and Bella, said her shop is not usually open on Mondays.

However, she decided to make the most of restrictions being lifted.

"It feels really good to be open," said Hayley. We've had lots of messages over the weekend from people wanting things.

"For one customer, she'd had children during lockdown and today was the first time she could shop for them not in a supermarket.

"I've been down here working throughout lockdown, but it's nice to have people around again.

"It's been steady, but I'm hoping it picks up on the weekend, and again when hospitality opens again more footfall will come through the GoodSheds."

For Fussy, the vintage clothes and homeware shop owned by Yvette Clark, today is the very first trading day.

"I signed the lease in December, but today is the first time I've opened," said Yvette. It's been really nice so far."

"This morning was busy, and I think because I've been selling online, they've had a little taster of my products. But there's nothing like looking at clothes in person, is there?

"I couldn't really sleep much last night, I just wanted to open!"

The high street itself doesn't just look different. Thanks to busker Sean Hannaford, it also sounds different.

"I've not been able to do a thing for the last few months due to the pandemic. I'm glad to see it all reopening. It's been tough."