Retail begins to outline re-openings, but Primark keeps its powder dry

John Lewis and Next among retailers confirming plans for easing out of lockdown, but no details yet from Primark.

Retailers have begun to outline the steps they are taking to re-open stores following the government’s announcement on Monday (May 25) that all non-essential stores in England can begin to open their doors from June 15.

Next and John Lewis are among the retailers taking the next steps to cautiously ease out of lockdown, however there’s no word yet on Primark’s plans.

In response to several questions from consumers on Twitter, the retailer would only reply: “With the health and safety of our staff and customers in front of mind, our stores remain closed until further notice.”

Mirror Money also quoted a Primark spokesperson, who confirmed that stores in the UK would only re-open when the retailer was “convinced that it is safe and right to do so”.

“We are closely following all safety advice from government and will treat this as the minimum standard across all our stores,” the spokesperson continued. “We will put in place rigorous health and safety measures including a strict social distancing protocol, providing personal protection for employees and customers and increased in-store cleaning. Of course, this is uncharted territory for us and our high street neighbours, which is why we will continuously monitor our re-openings and our health and safety policies to ensure we are doing the best we can to help protect our people and customers, as we all continue to adapt to the new normal.”

Meanwhile, Next will be re-opening 25 branches on June 15, initially prioritising larger out of town stores where social distancing can be more easily implemented.

Other safety measures – including Perspex screens at the till points, distance markings on the floor and hand sanitiser stations – will also be introduced.

John Lewis will also be undertaking a gradual re-opening programme, starting with its Poole and Kingston department stores on Monday June 15, followed by 11 others on Thursday June 18.

Depending on the response from customers and its Partners to the new ways of operating with respect to social distancing and safety measures, more shops will open throughout the summer.

Branches chosen to re-open have been selected primarily because of their accessibility by car.

Measures will include reducing the number of shop entrances, caps on the number of customers entering stores, prominent social distancing signage, protective screens at checkouts and areas of the shop where two-metre social distancing cannot be achieved, rigorous and frequent cleaning, plus provision of hand sanitiser for customers to use at all entrances.

Want to read more news like this? Simply sign up to our daily digest by clicking here. You can also follow @LicensingSource on Twitter and @licensing_source on Instagram.

MORE NEWS
BolognaLicAwards_2025
 
The winners of the Bologna Licensing Awards have been crowned during the Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids....
DocM_Bratz
 
Dr. Martens x Bratz celebrates Y2K aesthetic Featuring nostalgia-rich details, the first footwear and accessories collaboration between Dr. Martens and MGA Entertainment’s Bratz is inspired by the iconic dolls’ passion for fashion and unapologetic self-expression. ...
MouseMansion
 
Manita Schaapman, co-founder and creative director of The Mouse Mansion Company, will take to the stage at this year’s Licensing Conference to share the story of how a handmade universe turned into a global success....
Smiley_Awards
 
Recognising the power of film to inspire change, the eighth annual Smiley Charity Film Awards, presented by Smiley and powered by Smiley Movement CIC, took place at the Indigo O2 on 20 March. ...
BLLAS_Hearst
 
Angharad Moynes, licensing sales director at Hearst, explains why the company supports the Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards....
Spacetoon_Moonbug
 
Spacetoon Mum, Spacetoon’s digital platform and content hub directed at mothers, has joined forces with Moonbug Entertainment to launch a heartfelt regional campaign in honour of Mother’s Day....
Get the latest news sent to your inbox
Subscribe to our daily newsletter

The list doesn't exist! Make sure you have imported the list on the 'Manage List Forms' page.