The B&Q store in Southport has reopened today in another sign that some businesses are beginning to edge their way out of the coronavirus lockdown.
But strict social distancing measures will remain in place at the site, on Meols Cop Road, by Kew roundabout.
The DIY store has been closed since March 25 when the Government ordered ‘non-essential’ shops along with bars, restaurants and cafes to shut their doors in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.
But the chain has now opened up again in order to ‘enable the repair and maintenance of houses and gardens across the UK’.
Southport B&Q will have a designated queuing area outside and these will have navigational markers every two metres apart to remind shoppers to keep their distance.
The hardware store will also have protective perspex screens placed at each checkout, which will each be two metres apart, and there will be sanitiser stations for trolleys.
All White Taxis drivers deliver parcels to customers affected by Coronavirus lockdown
Directional arrows will also assist customers through the store and remind them to follow social distancing measures.
B&Q is allowing shopping parties of two people so that they can self-serve larger items.
B&Q CEO Graham Bell said: “Our highest priority is to keep our colleagues safe at work and our customers safe while shopping.
“In all our stores, we have strict social distancing measures in place.
“Whether shopping in our stores or online, we continue to ask all our customers to follow the Government’s social distancing guidelines and to shop responsibly only when they need to.”
Earlier this month, B&Q slowly re-started its business by opening 14 stores on April 14 followed by another 61 stores on April 22.
On April 29, the hardware retailer opened another 130 stores.
Today a message on the company’s website read: “All B&Q stores are now open with the exception of our stores in the ROI and Guernsey. All stores are open from 8am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. Opening times on Sundays vary, and so please check the store locator page for details of your local store.”
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