DIY multiple retailer, B&Q, has opened a further 61 stores, including those in Cardiff, Manchester and Aberdeen, following on from the 14 it re-opened earlier in April. The group has introduced “social distancing controls”, such as capping the number of customers in-store.
The development increases the likelihood that garden centres, which compete with DIY stores in some product categories, will also be allowed to open if similar measures are put in place.
A B&Q spokesperson said: “Similar to shopping at a supermarket, we’ve introduced social distancing controls at these re-opened stores. We’re strictly limiting the number of customers in store at any one time, and so customers may need to queue before entering the store.
“To further support social distancing, we have two metre floor markers throughout the store and have also installed perspex screens at the checkouts. Only products that you can shop and takeaway in store on the day are available to customers. Our services such as kitchen and bathroom design, paint mixing, timber cutting and key cutting are not available for the time being and, at this point in time, we’re only accepting card and contact-less payments.
“We continue to offer our Click+Collect service at diy.com. However, it may take several days for orders to be ready, and may be temporarily unavailable at busy times. Customers can also place orders for contact-free home delivery for a limited range of products at diy.com too.
“In recognition of the importance of Trade customers being able to carry out repairs and maintenance for their customers, TradePoint is available at all re-opened stores and our Trade customers are also able to purchase products online at trade-point.co.uk.
“We’re urging all customers to follow the Government’s social distancing guidelines, to shop responsibly only for what is necessary and to be patient whilst we give them the best possible service in the safest possible way.”
UK manufacturers and housebuilders announced on Thursday April 16 that they would be kickstarting production during the lockdown. Luxury carmaker Aston Martin intends to reopen its St Athan plant on May 5 and other companies are likely to follow suit, despite no clear guidance from the Government about when lockdown measures should be eased.
