RELEASED: 12:18 May 31, 2020 | UPDATE: May 31, 2020, 12:19 p.m.
Downtown Ipswich Photo: SARAH LUCY BROWN
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How can customers shop safely when more stores open in Suffolk and Essex?
John Lewis at home, Ipswich Photo: SARAH LUCY BROWN Car dealerships and open-air markets can open from June 1st and other non-essential stores from June 15th, provided they have strict social distancing guidelines. .
Some department stores such as John Lewis have announced their opening dates, while others such as Primark and Debenhams have not yet announced their opening dates.
Here's your guide to the key changes that business will make and what we can all do to protect ourselves.
Think about where to park
Maintaining social distance in certain busy commercial parking lots can be difficult. Shops are encouraged to provide additional parking or facilities such as bike racks where possible. Depending on the location of the stores, it may also be advisable to park more and walk.
READ MORE - Where can I buy? A practical guide to reopening stores
Only buy if possible
Supermarkets are already asking people to do their own shopping if possible, and other shops are being asked to do the same to facilitate social distance.
Some stores ask customers to visit only when they want to buy and avoid buying only to browse.
Follow brands and one-way systems
As in supermarkets, stores use paint or tape to create 2-meter distance marks on their floors, and many have one-way systems for customers.
Some cities are also expected to introduce one-way systems for buyers on their main streets. Southwold has already proposed the introduction of a one-way system for the city center, and Ipswich City Council is working on proposals to change certain road regulations to facilitate social distance.
Queue outside of shops
As with supermarkets, other stores limit the number of customers who can enter at any time to enable social distance. This can mean that you are joining an external queue. Stores are advised to manage queues, barriers, and the people who run them.
Reservation of assembly points
When you're queuing to pick up ordered items online, you may be able to reserve a tiered schedule and opening hours in the stores to make it easier for you.
When purchasing takeaways, the government recommends ordering by phone, on request, or online and receiving a set pick-up time.
You can also see:
READ MORE: What preparations are stores making for reopening?
Wash your hands and avoid handling products.
Hand washing facilities or hand disinfection stations must be available in the shop. However, you can also carry your own disinfectant or wipes with you.
Buyers are encouraged to encourage customers to avoid handling items when surfing, if possible, as this could transmit an infection. For items such as loose fruit and vegetables and other foods, only try to deal with what you will buy.
Don't try your clothes
Although clothing stores can reopen from June 15 for hygienic reasons, they must keep their changing rooms closed.
Trying on clothes is only permitted if absolutely necessary, for example when key personnel buy protective clothing that has to fit properly.
No evidence of makeup and other products.
Makeup testers are also temporarily removed from stores, and you cannot try other products before buying a phone, for example. Beds and furniture must be provided with protective covers that can be cleaned.
Customer service that cannot be provided without violating the social distance guidelines will also be suspended.
Handling returns safely
If you can't try on clothes, more items may be returned. Shops are encouraged to take various security measures, including contactless return and refund points.
Retailers are encouraged to keep returned items for 72 hours or to clean them prior to redisplaying.
Contactless payments
Retailers were encouraged to use contactless payments where possible.
Shops also often have to clean boxes and forklifts.
Wear face coverings
The government advises to consider the use of facewear in closed public spaces, including some shops where social distance can be difficult, as well as public transportation. However, we are all asked to wear homemade fabric masks and not to buy surgical masks or respirators that are a priority for health workers.
MORE INFORMATION - Face masks: everything you need to know
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