Primark stores reopen on Monday and this is what you can expect

Primark has announced that it will be opening doors across the UK on Monday and has also outlined what customers can expect upon their first trip in store.

Following the recent government announcement, Primark will be opening all 153 stores across the country on 15th June and is committed to offering the “same great products with employee and customer safety the highest priority”.

Primark has a several branches in Greater Manchester set to reopen.

In preparation for reopening in the UK, the retail chain is said to be closely following all government safety advice and is applying experience gained from store openings across Europe. Rigorous health and safety measures will be put in place in all stores, including a strict social distancing protocol, personal protection for employees and customers, and increased in-store cleaning.

Pictures giving a glimpse inside the Westfield London branch have also been released, so that customers know what to expect and can see what measures are in place when they visit Primark stores.

Speaking ahead of stores reopening, Primark CEO, Paul Marchant, said: “We have really missed our customers and we are delighted to be back and able to provide them with the quality, affordable products they love from Primark.”

“While it might take a little longer to get into store, once inside, customers will find all their favourite
Primark products and plenty of choice as usual. We have worked hard to make sure that clear signage
and extra help will be there to guide them through the changes we have made to allow for social
distancing.”

“We are also asking customers to respect the measures we have put in place to help ensure shopping
at Primark is an enjoyable, safe experience for everyone.”

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Social Distancing Measures

• Limited numbers of customers will be allowed in store at any one time to allow for the appropriate distance in between customers and employees.
• Clear signage and floor decals have been applied.
• Additional security staff have been hired to help customers follow social distancing measures while queuing to enter store.
• The layout of our stores has been redesigned to allow for more space between people. This includes a reconfiguring of the queuing system at till points and dedicated employees on hand to manage the correct flow of the queue.
• Fitting rooms, customer toilets, cafes and beauty concessions counters have been temporarily closed off in stores which have them – this policy may be reviewed as the situation develops and in line with government guidance.
• Entry and exit points will be clearly marked.
• Frequent tannoy announcements will be made in store to remind customers to adhere to social
  distancing measures.

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Personal Protection

• Hand sanitiser stations will be made available at the entrance and on the shop floor and back of house for employee and customer use.
• Every second till is closed in order to leave appropriate space between customers and between employees and perspex screens have been installed on open tills to protect customers and employees.
• Face masks and gloves are available to all employees if they wish to use them.
• Customers will be asked to sanitise their hands upon entry and dedicated employees will be on hand to assist customers if needed.
• All returns will be managed in line with government advice.
• All testers from the health and beauty department have been removed.
• Card payments and contactless payments are encouraged when possible to minimise cash interactions and limits have been increased for contactless payments.
• Dedicated employees have been appointed to manage queues at tills and entrances to stores to ensure social distancing measures are being followed.
• Dedicated employees will also make sure hand hygiene stations are topped up and report any issues or concerns to the store manager.

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In-Store Cleaning

• The frequency and rigour of the store cleaning policy will be significantly increased across all branches, giving particular attention to high frequency touchpoints such as tills, escalators, lifts, and employee areas in back of house.
• A deep clean of each store will be carried out before re-opening.
• Frequency of cleaning throughout the day will also be increased.
• A basket cleaning system will also be introduced, so each basket handle is cleaned before use.
• Sanitising wipes will be made available for employees to sterilise baskets and cashpoints.

To check the opening times for your local store ahead of Monday, you can visit the Primark store locator here.