// River Island reopens online operations, joining a growing a list of retailers that have done so
// It introduced new safety and social distancing measures in its warehouse
// Meanwhile clothing label Harpenne, owned by River Island, permanently closes less than a year after launching
River Island has re-opened its online store after implementing new safety measures in its warehouse, joining a growing list of retailers re-commencing ecommerce operations amid the coronavirus lockdown.
The fashion retailer said it has started despatching online orders again, after temporarily closing its ecommerce operations and Milton Keynes distribution centre late last month.
River Island said it introduced new safety and social distancing measures in its warehouse in order to re-commence its online store operations.
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This includes upgraded personal protection equipment for workers, digital thermometers for checks at the site entrance, updated safety signage installed in all areas, deep cleaning of the entire site, and two-metre distancing zones clearly marked out for all teams.
River Island stressed that they were not back to ‘business as usual’, and for that reason it expects some delay in the usual delivery times, but said all new orders should be processed within 14 days.
Other retailers that have also re-commenced their online trading operations include B&Q, Dunelm, Quiz and Next.
“This new set-up has been trialled and we’re happy with how it’s working and, more importantly, so are our teams,” River Island said in a statement.
“So, we’re pleased to say that we are now beginning to despatch orders to the UK and Ireland.
“So, as of today, we’re pleased to say that we are beginning to despatch orders again.”
The news comes shortly after clothing brand Harpenne, owned by River Island, permanently closed less than a year after launching.
A River Island spokeswoman said: “The UK retail backdrop continues to be challenging, and this is clearly not an easy time to create and grow a new brand.
“Whilst we have taken many valuable learnings from the launch of Harpenne, we have made the decision to focus on the more established parts of our portfolio.”
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