Haywards Heath retailer to reopen with new safety measures

Robert Dyas in South Road is one of 11 stores that will be returning to the high street on Monday (June 15).

Further stores will reopen from July 1, following the safe rollout of the first phase, the heritage homeware retailer said.

“We know from recent feedback that our customers and colleagues are eagerly awaiting the return of our stores to their local community, and their safety is our top priority,” said Theo Paphitis, chairman of Robert Dyas.

“The team has been working hard to put rigorous safety measures in place, and it will be great to get back to being shopkeepers in South Road from June 15.

“Our plan to reopen stores means our customers will soon have the flexibility to use all of our shopping channels again, including their local Haywards Heath store, online home delivery and Click & Collect.”

Robert Dyas stores will be remodeled in order to facilitate the Government’s social distancing guidelines and visual reminders will be placed at key points for the attention and safety of both colleagues and customers.

New measures include:

• Restrictions on the amount of customers allowed in store.

• Use of contactless payments where possible

• Customer service hosts on-hand to support with any queries

• Directional signage for one-way flow to ensure social distancing

• Use of contactless payments where possible

• Increased frequency of cleaning and sanitising

• Perspex screens at till points

• Quarantining returned goods for up to 72 hours

• Sanitising stations available for baskets

• PPE available for staff including masks, gloves and personal sanitiser

A spokesman added: “The business will ensure any learnings from colleagues during phase one are taken into account and used to refine safety measures for the secure reopening of remaining stores.

“Throughout the crisis and while the stores have been closed, the Robert Dyas digital and warehouse teams have worked hard to continue operating safely with an online presence for the 148-year-old chain, enabling customers to purchase items for home delivery.”

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