More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Home Canterbury News Article
Two of Kent's largest department stores are set to reopen on Monday.
Fenwick - with shops in Whitefriars, Canterbury and Victoria Road, Tunbridge Wells - has put in place a string of extensive social distancing measures including a one-way system and plastic screening, as it confirms plans to welcome back customers.
The shops have undergone intensive cleaning since they closed on March 19 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
On Monday, every department in the Canterbury and Tunbridge Wells stores will open, but restaurants, cafes, and beauty services remain closed in accordance with government guidance.
Bathrooms will be open at both sites, but changing rooms will also remain closed.
Like many shops across Kent, a one-way system has been planned for each store, which will be marked out on the floor.
Other protective measures include monitoring the number of shoppers inside the branches, and designating doors as either entry or exit points.
Entry and exit to the Tunbridge Wells store will be through the upper and lower mall doors, while customers should enter the Canterbury shop through the beauty department in St George's Street.
Hand sanitiser will be available throughout Fenwick shops, while staff will be given clear visors, and clear screens will be in place to protect customers and employees.
In children’s and toy departments, there will be no toys out on display to play with before purchase, while any returned items will be thoroughly steamed or quarantined for 72 hours before being returned to the shop floor.
Fenwick CEO John Edgar said: “With the imminent re-opening of our shops, the safety of our colleagues and customers is our absolute priority and we have been working diligently in order to make our stores compliant with the guidelines, yet still give our customers a truly Fenwick experience.
"Premium department stores such as Fenwick are the best place to enjoy shopping in the current situation - as well as the strict safety measures we have put in place, we have ample space, an incredible selection of brands and products all under one roof and plenty of advisors providing excellent customer service.
"We are ready and prepared to open our physical stores on June 15 and we are very much looking forward to welcoming our customers then."
Both the Canterbury and Tunbridge Wells stores will be open from 10am until 5pm Monday to Saturday, and from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays.
For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.
