Coronavirus: John Lewis preparing to re-open Peterborough store

John Lewis has said it is preparing to re-open all of its stores, including its one in Queensgate in Peterborough.
John Lewis in QueensgateJohn Lewis in Queensgate
John Lewis in Queensgate

The announcement comes after Boris Johnson said non-essential retail shops could open again on June 15 after being forced to close due to the coronavirus lockdown.

An opening date for the Queensgate store has not been confirmed yet, a John Lewis spokesperson told the Peterborough Telegraph.

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John Lewis said this afternoon: “We have been preparing to re-open our John Lewis stores, informed by what we have learnt from the social distancing measures the Partnership has taken in Waitrose.

“Our plan sees us open our shops on a phased basis to enable us to test the changes we are introducing and ensure the best and safest customer and partner experience. The safety of our customers and partners will govern everything we do and we are prepared to readjust our plan and make changes as we go to make sure we get it absolutely right and continue adhering to evolving Government guidelines.

“Our plans include:

. The introduction of a “customer service host” assigned to welcome customers into the store and answer any questions while managing customer numbers within safe limits, manage queues at entrances and busy areas of the shop and explain to customers changes they’ll notice in store

. A reduced number of entrances

. Caps on the number of customers entering stores

. Prominent social distancing signage

. Protective screens at checkouts and areas of the shop where 2m social distancing cannot be achieved between customers and partners

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. Control procedures for escalators and lifts limiting the number of users

. Rigorous and frequent cleaning

. Provision of hand sanitiser for customers at all entrances

. Social distancing in back of house areas

. The new contactless payment limit of £45

. Reduced availability of customer services - for example, close-contact beauty services will not be offered and customer catering outlets and fitting rooms will remain closed until further notice

. Safe and simple returns process - for example, in line with Government guidance, we are going to separate returned stock from new or old stock for 72 hours.”