After closing down all stores due to the coronavirus pandemic, B&Q has now made the decision to reopen a number of its stores on a trial basis with social distancing measures enforced.
The DIY retailer initially reopened its stores in Paisley and West Thurrock on Friday, followed by 12 more locations on Saturday. It has temporarily ceased click-and-collect services in these stores.
B&Q is classed as an essential retailer, but previously decided to cease store operations, focusing on its online orders, including click and collect.
A B&Q spokesman said: “As an essential retailer, we’ve watched other essential retailers support social distancing in their stores and are in a position to follow best practice and reopen a small number of our stores as a trial, while keeping our colleagues and customers safe.
“At these 14 trial stores, we’ve introduced social distancing controls, similar to shopping at a supermarket. 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 help remind everyone to respect each other’s personal space, we have two-metre floor-markers throughout these stores and also perspex screens at the checkouts.
“Before making any decisions about reopening more stores, we’ll be reviewing our trial. We continue to urge all customers to follow the government’s social distancing guidelines and to shop responsibly only for what is necessary.”
Stores are now in operation in the following locations:
- Paisley
- West Thurrock
- Culverhouse Cross in Cardiff
- Chester
- Brandon Road in Coventry
- Fareham
- Gillingham
- Ipswich
- Nursling
- Plymouth
- Stockport
- Sutton in Ashfield
- Watford
- Hull Road in York
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