John Lewis announces it will reopen stores on a ‘phased basis’
JOHN Lewis has today announced it will start to reopen its department stores on a "phased basis".
But it won't be able to open its changing rooms, cafes, or offer any beauty treatments under new plans to keep shoppers and staff safe.
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The department store is yet to release details about which stores will open, or exactly when they would return to business.
It said it would be letting staff know the details of reopening before releasing the information to the public, but that it would make clear when stores will be returning shortly.
Like other retailers deemed "non-essential", John Lewis stores have been closed since late March, although it has still been trading online.
But Boris Johnson announced yesterday that all shops would be allowed to open from June 15.
John Lewis said it had been observing the social distancing measures being used in its sister brand Waitrose in anticipation of throwing open the doors of its department stores soon.
"Our plan sees us open our shops on a phased basis, to enable us to test the changes we are introducing and ensure the best and safest customer and partner experience," it said.
Some of the safety measures it plans to implement include a new "customer service host" who will manage the number of people coming into stores and answer questions, reducing the number of entrances and installing protective screens at checkouts.
There will also be "rigorous and frequent cleaning";, as well as hand sanitiser for customers at all entrances.
Customers will now be able to use contactless payment for any transaction up to £45.
But some things will not be available, including beauty services which involve close contact, cafes will be closed, and changing rooms will be unavailable.
If you return an item, the stock will be left for 72 hours before it is returned to sale.
It has previously been reported that John Lewis is unlikely to reopen all of its stores once the lockdown is lifted as it looks to slim down its estate.
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Here's the full list of non-essential retailers allowed to open from June 15.
Greggs is planning to reopen 800 of its branches from mid-June too.
And Ikea will open from June 1.