- As mandates on lockdown restrictions are slowly relaxing, most non-essential retailers in the UK are prepared to resume business from June 15.
- The latest government rules allow individuals to meet outside in groups of 6 in the UK, and in groups of 8 in Scotland. Retailers that will reopen are required to adapt to government health and safety guidelines.
- From fast-fashion retailer Next to high-end department store John Lewis, here's a list of some of the big retailers that plan to reopen in two weeks in the UK.
Retailers in the UK are gearing up to reopen in mid-June, as the government has announced the relaxation of lockdown restrictions.
Apart from small groups of 6 people allowed to meet outside in the UK and 8 in Scotland, non-essential shops will also be permitted to open their doors to the public.
On March 22, the UK government instructed non-essential retailers to shut shop.
Many department stores and shops selling non-essentials such as clothes, toys, shoes, furniture, books, and electronic items have announced their reopening dates, with new safety measures in place.
Here's a list of some of those retailers:
1. Next Plc
High-street retailer Next said it would reopen 25 stores on June 15, beginning with its largest shops to facilitate social distancing effectively.
2. Debenhams
Debenhams said it would reopen in phases throughout June, beginning with the first few stores in Ireland on June 8, and 50 other stores in England the following week.
3. Arcadia Group
The Arcadia Group, which owns Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins, and Burton plans to reopen all of its stores to the public on June 15.
4. John Lewis & Partners
John Lewis plans on a phased reopening, starting with two in Poole and Kingston-upon-Thames on 15 June. This will be followed by a further 11 stores on 18 June.
5. H&M
H&M has already reopened some of its stores where social checks and restrictions are in place.
6. Primark
Primark will open all of its 153 stores in England on June 15, including its flagship store on Oxford Street, in London.