Home Bargains, B&Q, Wilko and others give important update on masks and other Covid rules

Everything you need to know about shopping at DIY and discount stores in the pandemic…

Throughout the lockdown, DIY stores such as B&Q and Wickes as well as those selling essential items like Wilko and Home Bargains have been able to remain open.

They have, however, rules to follow to stop the spread of coronavirus and to protect staff and customers. 

Here’s everything you can expect while shopping at them (it is mandatory to wear a face mask unless exempt in any shop in the UK).

B&Q

Those who do not want to wear a mask inside B&Q’s stores have been told they can order online. Those wanting to shop in-store are reminded of hand sanitiser and told to not visit in more than groups of two. 

A spokesperson said: “We are giving face masks to any customers who do not have one. If customers do not want to wear a face-covering in our stores, we are reminding them that they can always place an order for their essential items at diy.com for home delivery”.

Wickes

Queuing systems are in place at Wickes as only 30 people are allowed in the store at any one time. Customers must follow social distancing queues inside and wear a mask. 

At the tills, customers are asked to leave their trolleys in the designated space so staff can scan the items. 

If you’re buying larger items you can bring another member of your household to carry them. Showrooms remain closed.

Home Bargains

Customers are asked to visit alone where possible and to queue outside when stores are full. Customers can also expect a traffic light system in busier branches. 

NHS, care workers, disabled and elderly customers have priority access.

Wilko

Customers can expect marshals at the front of the stores along with floor markers to maintain social distancing throughout the stores. 

Homebase

All customers are asked to wear face masks and clean their baskets and trolleys at the disinfectant stations at entrances if they wish. 

A spokesperson said Homebase is ‘continuing to ask all customers to wear a mask when shopping with us, unless medically exempt’. They added: “We are also introducing further signage in stores reminding customers of their role in helping to make shopping safe for everyone.”