// Next says it will begin to reopen 25 out of its 500 stores from June 15, when lockdown for non-essential retail is lifted in England

// It will first prioritise larger stores where social distancing can be easily monitored

Next has announced plans to re-open 25 stores for customers to shop in from June 15, when England’s coronavirus lockdown begins to lift on non-essential retailers.

The fashion retailer said it would prioritise larger, out-of-town stores, where social distancing can be more easily implemented.

It added that as part of its preparations, it is cancelling orders for some products and selecting stock for later in the year.

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Next also expects “it will take some time for customers to return to their normal shopping habits”.

Next took the initiative to close all its stores on March 23, a day before the nationwide lockdown was implemented by the UK Government.

Its online operations, which account for more than half of the retailer’s overall revenue, shut three days later before partially re-opening on April 14.

Next has about 500 stores across the UK and Ireland.

Earlier this week, Johnson said non-essential retail in England could re-open from June 15 as long as Covid-19 secure guidelines are met.

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