Greggs reopens ‘small number of shops’ on trial basis

GREGGS has reopened a small number of stores as it continues to trial safety measures for staff and customers amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The bakery chain is selling its popular products, including coffee, pasties and cakes, at an undisclosed number of shops in the Tyneside area.

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One of the shops reopened at Kingston Park shopping centre in Newcastle, where shoppers were said to be queuing outside to get their hands on pasties and coffee.

The gradual reopening process follows several trials with staff testing social distancing while stores remained shut to customers.

It comes after Greggs previously shelved plans to reopen 20 stores due to fears of overcrowding.

The chain temporarily closed all 2,050 of its shops a month ago due to the coronavirus crisis, even though it was allowed to stay open for takeaway orders.

After customers revealed their delight with the bakery's potential reopening, Greggs told The Sun it had a change of heart over fears "excessive numbers of customers may plan to visit Greggs".

A spokesman added he couldn't say when the chain expects to reopen branches to the public, but previously told The Sun it may start offering deliveries before allowing walk-in customers.

Chief executive Roger Whiteside issued a statement on the firm’s website, thanking customers for their patience and adding that while some doors had reopened, it was part of its going trial process.

He said: “These trials are being conducted across a number of channels, including delivery through Just Eat, Click + Collect and walk-in customers.

“Colleague and customer safety continue to be the primary focus of the decisions we take as we start to reopen our shops.

“Thank you for your patience while we work hard to play our part in getting the nation back up and running again and serving the communities in which we operate.”

Fans of the chain said they were delighted by the news and couldn't wait to visit and get their pasty fix.

One customer wrote on Twitter: "Greggs is reopening in the North East. Nature is healing."

Another added she was "buzzing" that her nearest branch had opened its doors once more.

Greggs is not releasing the number of stores reopening or which locations are being chosen for walk-in customers as each trial is being considered on a case-by-case basis.

It is understood that a limited menu is on offer during the period, but customer favourites, such as its traditional savoury items, are being sold.

The news comes as more and more shops begin to reopen their doors after social distancing and strict measures by the government meant chains were forced to shut.

Five Guys said on Thursday it was reopening 47 branches of its 104 UK restaurants across the UK.

McDonalds announced last week it was reopening 15 branches on May 13 after successful trials behind closed doors.

They are largely based in the southern parts of the UK.

KFC opened its doors in April for delivery only, while Costa has opened 33 branches.