Initial 15 stores re-open in England after government guidance switch to include homeware as essential retail.
Matalan has begun to re-open a number of its stores, following the change in government guidance on May 1 to include homeware as essential retail in England.
An initial 15 stores in England began re-opening from May 18 – all operating with enhanced health and safety measures and fully compliant with social distancing rules. All employees have been trained appropriately and will be provided with full PPE.
Matalan is initially re-opening spacious stores with large homeware departments and a click and collect service.
These stores are all located on out of town retail parks, with parking outside, enabling the retailer to effectively adhere to social distancing guidelines.
High street stores, stores in shopping centres, clearance stores and outlets in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales will remain closed.
The move will also hopefully provide a boost for other categories in the store, after the retailer reported that online demand has skewed to its strong baby and children’s categories in particular.
As well as clothing and homeware, Matalan also sells a range of toys and games, including a number aimed at the preschool space.
