Department store chain Fenwick has outlined plans to welcome customers back in store next week, almost three months after shuttings its high street shops.
The North East firm, which has nine stores around the country including its flagship shop on Newcastle’s Northumberland Street, closed all the shops on March 19, just before the lockdown was announced.
Now the family firm is gearing up to welcome visitors to its stores from June 15, albeit with changes awaiting customers while social distancing rules remain in place to stop the spread of coronavirus.
The 137-year old group has prepared for the reopening date by carrying out intensive cleaning in all of its stores, both front and back of house, with extensive social distancing measures implemented.
When doors first open on Monday, every department will be open. Customers will be greeted by hosts when they arrive, who will explain the new system in operation. Sales advisors will also be on hand to help customers with purchases throughout the stores.
The firm said there will be clear signage throughout each store to guide and advise customers, but restaurants, cafes and beauty services must remain closed.
John Edgar, Fenwick CEO, said that the aim is to give customers the most enjoyable Fenwick shopping experience possible.
He said: ‘With the imminent re-opening of our shops, the safety of our colleagues and customers is our absolute priority and we have been working diligently in order to make our stores compliant with the guidelines, yet still give our customers a truly Fenwick experience.
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“Premium department stores such as Fenwick are the best place to enjoy shopping in the current situation – as well as the strict safety measure we have put in place, we have ample space, an incredible selection of brands and products all under one roof and plenty of advisors providing excellent customer service. We are ready and prepared to open our physical stores on 15th June and we are very much looking forward to welcoming our customers then.”
As well as an ongoing intensive cleaning programme, Fenwick has made other changes to make sure reopening is as safe as possible.
The number of people in the store at a time will be managed. Each door has been designated as either an entry or an exit and some doors will be closed completely.
Some toilets will be open and a one-way system has been planned which will be clearly marked out on the floor, but customers will be able to ‘step off’ the path to browse in a system dubbed the ‘Fenwick Green Road’.
Lifts will be accessible only for customers in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues who have difficulty using escalators or for people with buggies or for a small number of people at a time providing they all come from the same household.
Strict social distancing rules are in place throughout the store, so on beauty counters customers should ask one of our assistants who will be happy to help with requests, while maintaining an appropriate distance.
There will be no beauty treatments either in private treatment rooms or in booths on the shop floor available. Fitting rooms will be closed and customers wishing to try on accessories such as hats or sunglasses should speak a sales advisor for assistance.
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In the children’s and toy department there will not be any toys out on display to try or play with. Cafes and restaurants will remain closed for the moment in line with Government advice, except for some limited take away items in one or two cafes.
Hand sanitiser will be easily accessible to all throughout the store and located at every till point.
All sales advisors will be provided with clear visors and there will be clear screens in place to protect customers and colleagues.
Contactless or card payments are preferred and all payment pads will be regularly and frequently cleaned.
Fenwick Newcastle will be open from Monday operating from 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and from 11am to 5pm on Sundays.