// Retailers call for fitting rooms to reopen next month
// Bricks-and-mortar businesses aim to compete with online rivals
// Non-essential shops in England can remain open until 10pm from April 12
Retailers are calling on the government to reopen fitting rooms in an effort to compete with online rivals amid the pandemic.
With the government allowing non-essential shops in England to remain open until 10pm from April 12, retailers are calling for fitting rooms to also reopen.
The current rules state that stores should keep changing rooms closed “wherever possible” unless essential.
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- Non-essential shops in England to stay open until 10pm, gov’t says
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Retailers have urged the government to put an end to the “ambiguity” in the guidelines, and for changing rooms to be “given an unequivocal green light”.
John Lewis said it would open the rooms as soon as it was allowed, while Marks & Spencer said it was awaiting new guidance before taking action.
Selfridges said it would open them while “sticking to government guidelines”, and Fenwick said it would open “a limited number per store”.
Meanwhile, Primark, Next, Joules and H&M said changing rooms will stay closed until their shops reopened.
The Department for Business said it is working closely with retailers, trade unions and medical experts on Covid-secure guidance to help retailers reopen in a safe way.
It added that updated guidance would be published shortly.
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