MANY people have been wondering whether DIY stores like Screwfix and B&Q will be open during the coronavirus lockdown after they were deemed “essential retailers”.
It comes after Boris Johnson urged Brits to stay at home to stop the spread of Covid-19. and ordered all “non-essential” shops to shut – here’s what it means for opening times.
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Shops that are allowed to stay open include supermarkets, pharmacies, newsagents, banks and Post Offices.
Vets, pet shops, petrol stations, launderettes, banks and hardware stores will also keep doors open for customers.
Hardware stores are included in the list as they stock essential materials and equipment that help keep homes warm, safe and with power.
We’ve rounded up the opening hours for the major UK tool stores following the lockdown announcement.
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Screwfix stores are closed for browsing but customers can pick up existing “essential” click and collect orders.
The company says it will have a designated outside area where customers can collect their items.
Orders will typically be available to collect from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 4pm on Sundays.
This could be subject to change so check the online store finder for the latest shop information.
Some stores have already reduced their hours even further than this.
See this update on the Screwfix website for more information.
Screwfix couldn’t tell us what it classes as “essential” items but says its website has been updated to reflect these products as available for click and collect.
The company is also reminding customers to only go to stores once they’ve had a text message or email confirming their order is ready.
Customers can get items delivered to their home, but the retailer has warned delivery times may be delayed due to increased orders.
Currently, Screwfix is charging £5 for next-day delivery on orders under £50.
Anything above this amount qualifies for free delivery.
Is Wickes open?
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Wickes stores are currently closed but the retailer says customers will still be able to buy from its website.
This means customers can choose either home delivery or click and collect to receive their items.
Wickes temporarily suspended all click and collect options last week, but it’s confirmed this option is now available again.
However, the retailer says customers may have to wait up to eight hours for their item to become available due to a high volume of orders.
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Click and collect orders can only be placed from 6am to 4pm Monday to Saturday, not on Sundays, and for a more limited range.
Customers should only go to stores once they’ve had a text message or email confirming their order is ready.
Wickes hasn’t said when it expects shops to reopen.
Before the coronavirus measures were introduced, Wickes stores typically opened between 6am and 9am, and closed at 8pm, depending on where you live.
Shoppers can use the online store finder to find out more information about their nearest Wickes.
Is B&Q open?
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B&Q stores are closed but are offering customers click and collect as well as home delivery.
Those opting for click and collect will be notified when their order is ready and will be able to pick up their items from a store car park contact-free.
Customers should head down to their nearest store until they’ve had confirmation that their order is ready to be collected.
The company is now accepting new orders on its website after temporarily stopping sales.
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B&Q said: “This means we can keep supplies open and give our customers the best possible service to ensure their homes are safe, warm and in working order.”
B&Q is also now offering a limited range of gardening items, including bedding plants and herbs, for click and collect.
Use the online finder tool to locate your nearest shop and see their opening times.
Before the coronavirus outbreak, B&Q stores were typically open 7am until 9pm.
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Is Homebase open?
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Homebase stores are now closed but its website remains open for new orders.
Its standalone Bathstores and Decorate by Homebase shops are also closed.
Customers can still make home delivery orders online but its store collection service has been temporarily suspended.
Homebase hasn’t said when it expects to start click and collect options again.
Its home design consultations are also temporarily unavailable.
You can have a phone consultation instead, although customer services lines are currently down.
Customers can use Homebase’s online finder to see where their nearest branch is and check its contact details.
Before announcing the store closures, shops were typically open 9am until 6pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am until 5pm on Sundays.
Are hairdressers open or will they be closed due to coronavirus?
We’ve also rounded up Argos coronavirus opening times and advice for ordering online.
A number of restaurants announced they would be shutting their doors, even for takeaway, including Greggs, KFC and Pizza Express.
