14 B&Q stores re-open on trial basis amid lockdown

21st April 2020

Elias Jahshan

14 B&Q stores re-open on trial basis amid lockdown

Coronavirus Home & DIY

// B&Q reopens 14 stores on trial basis

// B&Q had initially closed them all down due to the coronavirus lockdown despite being classified as essential

// The stores have strict social distancing measures in place & click-and-collect has been suspended

B&Q has decided to reopen a handful of its stores on a trial basis with social distancing measures enforced after initially closing them all down due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Although classified as an essential retailer and having the privilege of being able to remain open during the lockdown, B&Q decided to suspend in-store operations and focus on its online orders, including click-and-collect.

However, the DIY retailer reopened two stores on Friday, followed by another 12 on Saturday, on a trial basis.

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Click-and-collect services in these 14 stores are temporarily suspended.

“As an essential retailer, we’ve watched other essential retailers support social distancing in their stores and are in a position to follow best practice and re-open a small number of our stores as a trial, while keeping our colleagues and customers safe,” a B&Q spokesperson said.

“At these 14 trial stores, we’ve introduced social distancing controls, similar to shopping at a supermarket.

“We’re strictly limiting the number of customers in store at any one time, and so customers may need to queue before entering the store.

“To help remind everyone to respect each other’s personal space, we have two metre floor markers throughout these stores and also perspex screens at the checkouts.

“Before making any decisions about re-opening more stores, we’ll be reviewing our trial.

“We continue to urge all customers to follow the government’s social distancing guidelines and to shop responsibly only for what is necessary.”

The B&Q stores that have re-opened are: