B&Q staying open

[vhs95]

Why are B&Q staying open if we can only go out for essential items and medical supplies? You can actually go into the store to choose 'essentials' like grass seed and wallpaper. Am I the only one to find it all very confusing?

Probably because they sell things you can fix your house with.

Because hardware stores are considered essential.

From what I've read about hardware stores in Italy and Spain, you are only allowed to buy essentials. No paint, plants, decor stuff. Just things to fix any emergency in your home, eg. washer for a leaky tap. I think they are considering moving to click and collect only. The stores abroad have also instigated a maximum amount of customers at a time and have spots on the floor to keep the 2m distance at all times.

Builders etc are still in work with social distancing measures in place. Especially the self employed ones I’d imagine.

It does specifically say hardware shops. Guessing if you need a need tap washer or something saves calling someone out. Plus if people are able to buy paint etc to keep them busy they might be more likely to then stay the bloody hell indoors.

They do sell essentials though. We had a leak a few weeks ago. Stuff from B&Q and YouTube sorted it.

Because you may need to fix something in an emergency in your house or you may need a tradesman to come fix something and they will need access to get the required parts?

In France DIY stores stayed open for essential items only. Aisles with other items were closed. You have to say what you need and why. In and out quickly. People will need to fix things that break.

Because you can't leave pipes leaking for weeks.

Are people really this thick.

B&Q, like all hardware stores, sell goods that are essential.

There are many repairs which cannot wait the virus has passed.

People are not meant to go outside non essential items though so people's should t pop there just to buy paint/plants/pictures etc. They should only go for essential repairs items.

Theoretically then it should be quite quiet and easy for social distancing to be enforced. However many people will probably consider getting a few bits for non essential DIY as an absolutely essential thing to do right now.

Hadn't thought about the professionals but don't they usually have a trade counter? Anyway, my nearest one is 6 miles away so to get there I would have to drive in order to buy something essential. While there, I could wave out of the car window to my DD and DGS who could be parked next to me (who I usually see on a daily basis, she's a single mum and struggles sometimes, and now won't see for weeks) ? Oh well, perhaps not . I'm joking, I understand lockdown, but I still find it confusing.

Our bathroom is on its last legs, we were planning on getting it replaced over the summer. It's not worth us keep paying for emergency call outs for patch up jobs.

Obviously bathroom plans on hold, but atleast if we get any leaks me and dp can try to bodge it until normal life resumes.

Also, nans kitchen tap is leaking, and is getting progressively worse. Not an emergency repair, so her HA won't be repairing it at the minute. Again, atleast I can give it a go with the help of youtube.

hercwasonaroll
Thank you for your polite response. Have a good day.

B&q is closed from today!

It isn’t closed from today, it is closed for today to transition into only supplying essential items.

On B&Q website:

Together, we can do it
An update from Graham Bell, B&Q CEO

The Prime Minister has announced that all non-essential retailers will close to help stop the spread of Covid-19. We have learnt that the DIY and Hardware store sector has been categorised as an essential retailer by the government.

We are now working out the safest and simplest way to support communities in providing only essential products moving forwards.

Our stores, as we prepare, will be closed Tuesday 24th March.