Will B&Q, Home Bargains, B&M, Wilko and The Range close during lockdown?

Suffolk residents, like the rest of those in England, today enter a second national lockdown.

It will see all non-essential stores and businesses shut up shop until Wednesday, December 2.

Shops selling essential items like food and medicine will be allowed to stay open, but what about stores selling these essential goods as well as host of other items, including homeware?

We took a look into whether Suffolk's, B&Q stores, Home Bargains, B&M, Wilko and The Range will have to shut from Thursday.

Home Bargains

Home Bargains stores will remain open during the national lockdown as they did the first time round. The shop sells homeware, toys, fragrances as well as hair products, along with essential items.

B&M

B&M has updated its customers on Facebook stating its stores will stay open, but urged shoppers not to panic buy.

It said: "As an essential retailer and on government advice we remained open in the first lockdown.

"B&M was proud to serve our communities and we will be doing so again. Our colleagues are working tirelessly to make sure you can get all of the items you need.

"So there's no need to panic buy — our warehouses are full and we are working super hard to keep stock flowing into stores."

Wilko

Wilko stores will also remain open due to its sale of essential items including medicine and food.

Wilko chief executive Jerome Saint-Marc said: “Not everyone has a large supermarket nearby to get the non-food essentials they need for their family. With 17 million people living within 2km of a Wilko store we can help fulfil this need. As an essential retailer, we’re here to help keep your homes running smoothly. Whether it’s a few bits to make sure your home is kept spick and span, or those little essentials to help look after your family — we’ve got it all here in one place.

“The safety for our customers and team members continues to be our top priority and we’ve a comprehensive eight-point safety plan in place to do just that, including store marshals, to make sure we’ve got the numbers right in our stores. This may mean that sometimes, customers may experience a short wait and we thank them for their patience.

“I’d like to express my sincere thanks to our loyal and hard-working team members who are continuing to do their very best to make sure families across the UK have access to the household essentials they need despite the difficult circumstances of the second lockdown.”

The Range

The Range has also updated its customers on remaining open during the second lockdown.

The statement read: "On government advice we remained open during the last lockdown and will continue to remain open for your convenience.

"To give you time to shop this week we have extended the vast majority of our stores opening hours in England and Scotland until 10pm, please see our website for your local store details."

B&Q

The B&Q website reads: "As an essential retailer our stores in areas where there is a local lockdown will remain open. To reduce the risk of transmission, in line with Government guidance, we have implemented comprehensive controls and strict social distancing measures in all of our stores.

"All stores have a designated queuing area outside and these have markers every two metres to help remind everyone to respect each other’s personal space. To further support social distancing, stores have two metre floor markers throughout as well as other point of sale, and perspex screens have been installed at the checkouts.

"We also have hand sanitiser stations to ensure trolleys are good to go. Colleagues are on hand to remind everyone to stay safe and follow these guidelines."

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