Next to reopen 25 branches from June 15 as coronavirus lockdown rules ease

Next to reopen 25 branches from June 15 as coronavirus lockdown rules ease

05/27/2020

NEXT has revealed plans to reopen 25 stores from June 15 as coronavirus lockdown rules ease.

The fashion and homeware retailer wouldn't confirm the exact locations but says the stores reopening will be larger shops in out of town locations.

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It adds that more of its 500 shops will then reopen over the coming weeks from June 15.

The Sun has asked Next what social distancing measures will be in place at the new stores and we'll update this story as soon as we hear back.

Non-essential retailers are allowed to reopen from June 15 but government guidance says fitting rooms will be closed, while covers will be placed over large items such as sofas and beds.

Next closed its stores and temporarily stopped online trading when the UK went into coronavirus lockdown back in March.

As a non-essential retailer Next hasn't been allowed to keep stores open during the initial lockdown although it is allowed to continue trading online.

It reopened its website in April once it had agreed a way to safely do so with staff, but stock sold out in a matter of hours and it began limiting the number of orders made each day to keep warehouse staff and delivery workers safe.

The government has gradually been lifting lockdown measures, with garden centres and homeware stores allowed to reopen this month, and outdoor markets and car showrooms allowed to reopen from June 1.

Fast-food chains have also begun reopening for takeaway orders only. They were allowed to remain open during lockdown for takeaways but many initially shut their doors while they worked out how to operate safely during the epidemic.

But hairdressers, nail bars, beauty salons, and the hospitality sector, remain closed until at least July 4.

More to follow…

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