Halfords installs social distancing measures as it reopens Wisbech store

The retailer says it has introduced a range of measures to protect customers and staff at the store in Cromwell Road.

These measures include the introduction of a zero contact policy, staff will not take cash payments and customers can no longer browse the aisles.

Instead Halfords is providing services and product collection from the front of the store, all within the social distancing rules, through its “Drive in, pick or collect point” for products.

The Wisbech store is one of 13 Halfords is reopening nationally although most of its stores and Autocentres have been open since the essential retailer rules came into force as cycle shops and garages are classed as essential retailers.

The new measures in full are:

Drive-in, pick or collect point: situated at the check-in desk at store entrances, no one allowed in store at any time with colleagues on hand to pick products for customers and online Click and Collect Orders are collected at this point.

Drive-in fit and repair: customers park car near the front of the store and requested service at the check-in desk.

There will be clear two metre social distancing measures, card payments only, suspension of non-essential fitting services, limited physical interaction such as the requirement to sign paperwork, all staff to have the cleaning materials (eg hand sanitiser) to support hygiene guidelines, staff changing rooms closed until further notice

Halfords has also changed the way bike orders are collected.

The new measures for collection include: pre-arranged date and time for collection, a two-metre queuing system, just one customer per time to enter the reception area, customers built bike placed on stand outside of store and staff talking through the bike safety measures from a safe two-metre distance.

Keith Jones, Chief Operating Officer of Halfords, said: “I am really proud of our colleagues in Wisbech and how they are supporting us in our commitment to playing our part in keeping the UK moving for their essential journeys.

“However, we will only continue to play our role if we can ensure the health and safety of our colleagues and customers, and compliance with government policy.

“That’s why we have re-shaped how our store operates and we look forward to welcoming our customers return.”