Trial sees baker’s open some of its doors again
GREGGS LOOKING TO OPEN HUNDREDS OF BRANCHES IN NEXT MONTH
GREGGS is back – in some places, at least.
The beloved Geordie bakery has reopened its doors in some parts of Newcastle, as part of a trial which could see it return to business across the country.
One of the now-open stores is at the Kingston Park shopping centre where, on Friday afternoon, a handful of customers queued to pick up coffee and pastries.
Measures were in place to protect staff and customers, with signs outside warning “Safely does it”.
A counter had been set up closer to the entrance, preventing people from coming far inside, and those queuing outside were urged to observe social distancing rules.
In April, the national chain confirmed plans to reopen 20 shops around Newcastle on a trial basis from May 5.
The stores will be staffed by employees who’ve volunteered to return to work.
The Newcastle-based bakery chain, famous for its sausage rolls, pasties and sweet treats, closed all its stores around the UK on March 23, as the UK Government announced the nationwide lockdown. However, as a takeaway food business, Greggs is entitled to operate during the period of the lockdown.
In a statement on the bakery’s website, Greggs chief executive Roger Whiteside said: “Since temporarily closing our shops, we’ve been working hard to get up and running again, and we are now undertaking some initial trials.
“To begin with, these trials will take place behind closed doors in order to test a number of new operational safety measures that will enable social distancing, and for us to operate in line with the latest Government guidelines. These trials are being conducted across a number of channels, including delivery through Just Eat, click and 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.”
In April, Mr Whiteside told staff that he expects the trial to last for at least two weeks.
If successful, it will be followed by further reopenings, with around 700 Greggs shops around the UK expected to be open again by June 8.
We’ve been working hard to get up and running again, and we’re now undertaking some trials
Richard Whiteside