Huge queues form as B&Q DIY store reopens
The DIY supplier B&Q has reopened its store in Washington – but insists strict social distancing rules will be in place.
B&Q temporarily closed its stores after the UK went into lockdown on March 23, yet several outlets have since reopened.
The Washington store is operating with reduced opening hours of 8am to 5pm from Monday to Friday and 10am– 4pm on Sundays as normal.
Huge queues could be seen outside the Washington branch on the first day of opening on Wednesday, April 22,withbarriersinplacetoensure social distancing.
Nearby B&Q stores in Sunderland and Durham have remained closed, but could reopen soon following a review.
B&Q has defended its decision to reopen stores and has cited other retailers which have remained open with social distancing rules amid the coronavirus pandemic.
A B&Q spokesperson said: "As an essential retailer, we’re committed to providing the best possible service to support customers’ home improvement needs at this difficult time, while keeping customersandcolleaguessafe.
"Having watched other essential retailers support social distancing in their stores, we are now following their best practice and are re-opening some stores, including B&Q Washington, with strict social distancing measures in place.
"Similartoshoppingatasupermarket,we’restrictlylimiting the number of customers in store at any one time, and so customersaretypicallyqueueing before entering stores.
“Allstoreshaveadesignated queuingareaoutsideandthese have two-metre markers.
"We have two-metre floor markers throughout the store and have also installed perspexscreensatthecheckouts.”