// Marks & Spencer prepares store reopenings for June 15
// A range of protective measures will be implemented upon reopening full clothing space
Marks & Spencer has revealed further details on how it is preparing to help customers shop ahead of the planned reopening of stores on June 15.
Over the past nine weeks, M&S’s 600 food stores have remained open, while the majority of its clothing space had closed in line with government guidance.
M&S has 260 stores that sell both clothing & food which have prepared on how to manage social distancing and the flow of customers in and out of stores.
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M&S said visitors should expect the same “robust measures” in the clothing space as when they have food shopped.
The retailer said hand sanitiser will be available and the baskets to use will all be metal ones making them easier to be regularly cleaned.
Shop safely signage and floor markings will be clearly visible to remind everyone to give each other the space they need and to make it easier to find product.
Workers will be keeping all close-contact services temporarily closed, this includes bra fittings, suit fittings and kidswear footwear fittings.
The retailer has enhanced its bra fit tool on its website and colleagues will also be on hand to give advice.
Meanwhile, cafes remain closed to sit in, but selected stores will offer coffee to go with contactless collection.
All M&S tills will have perspex screens installed and clear signage encouraging contactless payments.
Fitting rooms will remain closed but for now M&S’s refund policy will remain at 90 days. M&S will continue to offer Click & Collect to all stores.
“Our store teams have been brilliant at implementing the necessary social distancing and hygiene measures to help customers shop our food, and we’ll be bringing those lessons and insights over to Clothing & Home,” M&S retail operations director Andrew Walmsley said.
“Preparation is now well underway for the 15th – from the installation of perspex screens at tills, to putting in new signage.
“Whilst shopping may feel different, there will still be the same great service and expert advice customers expect of M&S, as well as more digital solutions to supplement the in-store experience – such as our enhanced online bra fit tool.”
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