Ted Baker plans to reopen stores in June as UK eases lockdown

(Reuters) - British retailer Ted Baker <TED.L> is preparing for a gradual reopening of its stores from mid-June and will recall furloughed staff based on the needs of its operations, the company said on Thursday.

A coronavirus-triggered lockdown in the UK had forced the fashion retailer to shut all of its stores and furlough 75% of its staff.

The British government said earlier this week that outdoor markets and car showrooms in England can reopen from June 1 followed by all other non-essential retail from June 15.

Stores will look and operate very differently from how they did before a coronavirus lockdown was imposed on March 23 as they comply with new health and safety and social distancing rules.

(This story corrects to Thursday from Friday in paragraph one)

(Reporting by Tanishaa Nadkar in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva)