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England lockdown: what home & DIY stores are still open?
The second lockdown in England comes into effect from Thursday 5th November until Wednesday 2nd December. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has issued 'stay at home' and work from home guidance (although there are exceptions), as well as the closure of non-essential shops – but schools, colleges and universities remain open.
Among many other businesses, 'essential retail such as food shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, garden centres, hardware stores, building merchants and off-licences,' can continue trading during the new month-long lockdown, the government has confirmed.
But, 'homeware stores' have been listed as 'non essential retail' and therefore must close. However, these venues can continue to operate click-and-collect (where goods are pre-ordered and collected off the premises) and delivery services.
Some home & DIY stores fall under the 'hardware' category but solely homeware-based stores do not. For the stores staying open, it's worth checking with your local store as there could be changes to opening hours.
It's also important to note that this lockdown only applies to England. The UK's four nations are currently adopting different measures amidst the coronavirus pandemic: Scotland's new five-tier system came into effect on 2nd November, while Wales' two-week firebreak lockdown will end on 9th November, and Northern Ireland's partial lockdown will end on 13th November.
Homebase said: 'As an essential retailer, all our stores in the UK and Ireland remain open, with strict measures in place to keep customers and our team safe. We’ll keep you updated at homebase.co.uk.'
'Due to the country-wide lockdown in England, we will close our England stores from Thursday 5th November. However, we want to reassure you that we are still there to support you with those ever-changing needs at home through our contactless click and collect and online home delivery services,' said IKEA in a statement.
'Just as it has been since the start of the Coronavirus outbreak, our number one priority continues to be the safety of our co-workers and customers. That’s why our extensive safety measures will be in operation across all of our services.'
It's worth noting that IKEA stores in Scotland and Northern Ireland will remain open, in-line with local regulations. Its Cardiff store will reopen on Monday 9th November when the Welsh Government’s fire break lockdown ends.
All Wilko stores will remain open throughout the UK, including across England during its second lockdown. 'Having been named an essential retailer by the National Government in Westminster during the first lockdown, Wilko stores across England have been and will continue to be open, offering a safe place to shop and an alternative to the busy grocers,' reads the press release.
Key ranges in store include baby care, cleaning, hardware and DIY, health and personal care, household and pet care products. Wilko says for non-essential items, such as Christmas gifting, decorations and preparation, decorating, entertaining, furniture and hobbies, customers are recommended to visit wilko.com, which offers home delivery nationwide.
'As an essential retailer, we’re here to help keep your homes running smoothly. Whether it’s a few bits to make sure your home is kept spick and span, or those little essentials to help look after your family – we’ve got it all here in one place,' said Jerome Saint-Marc, Wilko CEO.
For the safety of customers and employees, Wilko's 8-point safety plan includes: enhanced cleaning, physical distancing via measures including protective screens and floor markings, store marshals and encouraging contactless payments.
'Following recent announcements, as an essential retailer, our stores remain open. Customer and colleague safety is our priority,' says B&Q.
Customers are asked to shop responsibly in store and to follow social distancing guidelines. Orders can be placed for click & collect and home delivery on diy.com. Kitchen, bathroom and bedding planning appointments will be available in store but virtual appointments will still be offered as an alternative.
'On Government advice we remained open during the last lockdown and will continue to remain open for your convenience,' said The Range in a statement. 'We have our new Reserve & Collect service available for our stores in The Republic of Ireland and Wales where you can reserve items free-of-charge & collect them in your nearest store. Our existing click and collect service is also available in England and Scotland stores.
'We're following all government guidelines to ensure you, our staff & customers have a safe experience whilst shopping with us.'
B&M said in a statement: 'As an essential retailer and on Government advice we remained open in the first lockdown. B&M was proud to serve our communities and we will be doing so again. Our colleagues are working tirelessly to make sure you can get all of the items you need, so there’s no need to panic buy. Our warehouses are full and we are working super hard to keep stock flowing into stores.'
Poundland has confirmed it will stay open throughout November.
'As an essential retailer, Poundland stores across the UK are, and will remain, open. Throughout the pandemic, Poundland’s top priority has been the health and safety of all customers and colleagues and it has a wide range of health and safety measures in place in line with guidelines to enable people to do their essential shopping,' read a statement.
Poundland is also bringing its chilled and frozen food offer to more stores in the run-up to Christmas. The rollout will continue during England's second lockdown 'so that customers can buy more of what they need under one roof'.
'In line with government guidelines, as an essential retailer of tools, DIY and hardware and a critical part of the supply chain for the construction industry, all stores will remain open across the UK to provide our trade and retail customers with the products they need,' said Toolstation in a statement. 'The safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and customers remains paramount, and our stores are operating safely in a modified store layout with social distance measurements in place.'
Customers are able to shop in store and online, with home delivery and contactless click & collect services available.
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