The shops that have reopened websites to offer deliveries including Next, River Island and Dunelm
A NUMBER of retailers have reopened their websites to offer home delivery after spending weeks offline due to the coronavirus.
All non-essential stores have been forced to close because of the lockdown, but they're still able to sell their items online.
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Yet some retailers temporarily shut down warehouses and distribution centres due to staff safety concerns.
But some have now introduced new measures to protect staff, meaning they're open to shoppers again.
If you keen to order, just keep in mind that delivery times may be delayed, so make sure you double-check this in advance.
From Next to River Island and Dunelm, here are the shops that have reopened their websites for online orders.
B&Q
B&Q temporarily took its website down at the end of last month due to an “unprecedented” number of visitors trying to order goods online.
It is back up and running now but is unable to accept bulk orders.
However, customers may be placed in an online queue to get online.
When The Sun tried to get online this morning, April 17, we faced a wait time of more than an hour to access the B&Q website.
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A majority of the retailer's stores remain closed, although B&Q said today its two shops in Paisley and West Thurrock will open as a trial.
B&Q shoppers can get orders delivered directly to homes or via click and collect from some stores where items are brought to cars to minimise contact with staff.
But it warns on its website that due to "extremely high demand", its click and collect service may take up to three days.
Because of the coronavirus, B&Q staff will also no longer bring your delivery into your home and will instead place the items by your front door.
Home deliveries at B&Q are free if the order amounts to more than £50 - if not, they'll cost from £5.
Dunelm
Furniture retailer Dunelm shut its doors and website last month after the government lockdown, but it opened its online operations again this week.
But as its stores remain closed, you won't be able to click and collect.
The retailer has made selected items available for home delivery on its website.
This excludes furniture and larger items, as they would require a two-person team for delivery.
Dunelm said deliveries may be delayed, but it'll let you know on individual product pages and in your shopping basket if so.
The retailer offers free delivery on orders over £20.
If your total order amount if less, you'll have to pay from £3.95 for the trouble.
Next
Fashion and homeware retailer Next reopened its website on Tuesday, April 14, after two weeks offline due to coronavirus safety fears among staff.
But following a consultation with workers, a string of new safety measures have been put in place including one-way systems and new walkways at its warehouses.
Next has also set limits on the number of items that can be ordered in a day so that workers can work safely to fulfil them.
When it reopened on Monday, the retailer reached its maximum order capacity around an hour after opening.
Next shoppers can find out more about when the website reopens each day and what the order limits are in our guide.
SHOPS ALLOWED TO STAY OPEN
ONLY a small group of retailers will be allowed to stay open, they include:
- Supermarkets
- Pharmacies
- Takeaways and food deliveries
- Health shops
- Medical services - eg, dentists
- Vets
- Newsagents
- Pet shops
- Hardware stores
- Retail shops in hospitals
- Petrol stations
- Bicycle shops
- Laundrettes and dry cleaners
- Undertakers
- Banks, building socities
- Short-term loan providers, credit unions and cash points
- Storage and distribtion centres
- Post Offices
- Car rental services and car parks near vital services such as supermarkets
- Public toilets
- Car garages and repair shops
- Food banks and shelters
If you're keen to shop, you can still browse the Next website and add items to your favourites wishlist.
To save time, simply add the items you want to buy to your basket ready for when the website reopens.
Initially, you'll only be able to buy necessities such as children's clothes and selected small home items.
But Next said it's hoping to add more ranges shortly too.
Next shoppers can usually get next-day delivery, but the retailer is currently operating a three-day delivery window.
Home delivery fees remain the same at £3.99 per order.
Quiz
Fashion retailer Quiz closed its website on March 27 due to staff concerns, but then reopened it on April 14.
While its stores remain closed, you'll be able to place orders online and get standard delivery.
This costs £3.99, and usually takes between two and five working days in normal circumstances.
Quiz has temporarily axed the next day delivery option in order to help keep staff safe.
River Island
Fashion retailer River Island reopened its online store yesterday after implementing new safety measures for staff in its warehouse.
It stressed that it's not back to "business as usual" yet, although it's accepting new orders again.
River Island said it expects some delay in the usual delivery times, but said all new orders should be processed within 14 days.
If you made an order while the warehouse was closed, River Island said it'll now process it as a priority.
The retailer offers free standard UK delivery, which in normal circumstances would take between three to four days to arrive.
Which retailer's websites have remained open during the crisis?
- Apple
- Currys PC World
- Homebase
- H&M
- JD Sports
- John Lewis
- New Look
- Smyths Toys
- Sports Direct
- Studio
- Topman
- Topshop
- Very.co.uk
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