// B&Q reopens all 288 its stores across the UK as the coronavirus lockdown continues
// It started re-opening stores two weeks ago, with the last wave of stores reopening today
// B&Q initially shut its sites to implement safety measures before gradually reopening them
B&Q has reopened all of its stores across the UK as the coronavirus lockdown continues.
The DIY retailer said it gradually reopened its 288 UK stores over the past two weeks, with its last remaining sites opening their doors to the public today.
Customers have flocked to its stores, resulting in long queues of shoppers after social distancing measures were put in place.
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Hardware stores are among retailers listed by the UK Government as essential stores which could remain open through the lockdown.
However, the Kingfisher-owned retailer initially shut its sites temporarily in order to ensure adequate safety measures could be put in place before gradually reopening sites.
Rivals, such as a Homesbase and Wickes, have also reopened rafts of their own stores in recent days.
B&Q said it was “strictly limiting the number of customers in store at any one time” and has also installed other safety measures, such as sanitation stations for trolleys.
It has also introduced two metre markets on the floors and arrows to guide customers through the store, as well as Perspex screens and contactless payments only at checkouts.
“Our highest priority is to keep our colleagues safe at work and our customers safe while shopping,” B&Q chief executive Graham Bell said.
“In all our stores, we have strict social distancing measures in place.
“Customers are adhering to these, helping us to offer a shopping environment that is safe for everyone, while we help them to look after their homes and gardens, as well as their wellbeing.
“Whether shopping in our stores or online, we continue to ask all our customers to follow the government’s social distancing guidelines and to shop responsibly only when they need to.”
with PA Wires
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