B&Q

[nolovelost]

How on earth are they able to reopen? The government haven't said that shops can open!

They are a hardware store. They were never ordered to close.

Yep, hardware stores never had to close.

It will help people's mental health if they have DIY/gardening to do.

Oh yes I remember that now. Ours has reopened, they must have decided to close anyway.

Many are re-opening but closing off the "non-essential aisles" whichever they are. They say they are opening only to supply essential items for home maintenance. Won't be selling BBQs etc

The thinking was that things in the home break or may need parts and so it's essential for those reasons, mainly plumbers/electricians but think many going there are just taking advantage.
Same as b and m, always a huge queue to get in and I highly doubt its only for essentials!

They only closed originally to placate the baying mob!

B and q have definitely relaxed the rules - i got paint on click and collect this weekend which I could not do before.

Maybe they figured they were losing too much money to the competition!

I bought 2 non essential large pink flowerpots yesterday, being delivered tomorrow, I couldn't get them a couple of weeks ago though when I tried.

Wilko sells plant pots so why shouldn't B&Q, I imagine they thought that as well

My understanding was that B & Q ran a trial on 14 stores to measure how social distancing would work. Because the stores are warehouses, social distancing would be able to be managed as per the guidelines.

I’ve seen people buying hot tubs and egg chairs in b&m, where as b&q have been way more strict and I couldn’t even get a broom or plunger on there as they must not be essential, yet hot tubs are. so depends on the shop but b&q was never told to close they made that decision.

It’s the right business decision and will help to protect their employees jobs.

I agree Pinkjam. I think it is a good step forward.

If the manufacturers of hot tubs can be helped to keep jobs for their workers then that is incredibly valuable for our economy.