// Dobbies reopens 12 Scottish stores today
// Follows updated guidance from Scottish Gov that garden centres may open during lockdown
Dobbies has re-opened 12 of its garden centres on Scotland today following updated guidance from the Scottish Government that garden centres may open during the lockdown.
The news comes after Dobbies first started to reopen its stores across England earlier this month, before stores in Wales and Northern Ireland also re-opened.
The gardening retailer said the safety of staff and customers was the priority and social distancing measures have been implemented to allow its Scottish stores to operate safely, along with a limit on customer numbers in the stores at one time and a queuing system.
READ MORE: Dobbies to reopen stores in England
As with its English stores, Dobbies said its Scottish estate will have hand sanitising and trolley cleaning stations available at all store entrances.
Protective screens have been also installed at tills and customers will be asked to pay with card or contactless, where possible.
Appropriate PPE has been provided for all Dobbies staff, who will also receive training and regular briefings on how to keep themselves and customers safe, and rigorous daily hygiene routines will continue throughout the stores.
However, in-store restaurants and soft plays will remain temporarily closed.
“We welcome this updated guidance from the Scottish Government, enabling us to reopen our 12 stores across Scotland on Friday 29 May,” Dobbies chief executive Graeme Jenkins said.
“The safety of our team members and customers remains Dobbies’ number one priority and following advice from the Government, Horticultural Trades Association and British Retail Consortium, social distancing measures have been implemented.
“We began reopening our other UK stores on Monday 11 May and we have now successfully opened 56 stores across Wales, England and Northern Ireland.
“It has been a very positive start to trading, with customers most interested in buying plants, gardening products and outdoor furniture, as they are keen to spend time in their gardens this spring.
“I would like to thank our team members and customers for their understanding during these uncertain times.”
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