Do you think the likes of home bargains/b&m need to close?

[mammamia345]

I don't understand why they are open.
Keep the supermarkets open (obviously ) but the majority of people don't go in home bargains etc for food so just close them.
They don't need to be open.

@BarbaraofSeville

This hasn't escaped people around here, the local service station apparently is full of people meeting friends! When I nipped into one last week (half way through a 4 hour essential journey!) the couple on the next table were a tinder date, the woman told me whilst she was nervously waiting.

I'm very pleased at least the toilets are open at the services and lorry drivers etc need to be able to break properly

They need to stay open. The branch of B&M nearest to me is also near to a large area of deprivation where there are very few outlets for food and other essentials. It would harm people if it were to close.

They sell food and other stuff like supermarkets - I see no reason why they should close.

I honestly think some people would be happiest if we were all locked in our houses for months with a weekly subsistence delivery of food on the doorstep. Lockdown isn't worth anything unless we have functioning test and trace system and a vaccine, none of which are on the horizon for the vast majority of the population

@llovetheshippingforecast

Yes definitely garden centres should close ! Around my way they have been teaming with the over 70s... who seem to show little regard for the virus.

No we needs a hydrangea as an essential item .

You must have been there yourself if you can be so sure they were 'teaming' with over 70s? Sounds quite specific.

I think they should stay open but restrict the amount of people in. There are things we buy in home bargains that are far far cheaper in there than anywhere else.

To make it fairer all shops should open part time alternate days except supermarkets and pharmacies. Then strict amount of people at any time. One way system use of sanitisers. Face shields if medical exempt from mask. More fines for abusing this. Stop treating it as a day out if its essential in and out quick.

And the things I mention are food!

Some range shops have Iceland inside. They could stay open in underfulfilled areas where there are too few other supermarkets.

We need to do like France did - tell shops that they can sell items classed as essential (food etc) but that they have to cover up/corden off the non-essential stuff. This stops people browsing and also is fairer to other retailers who can't open.

I think they should be open - a lot of their stuff can be cheaper than supermarkets and for pensioners , people with a limited income that can make a difference .

I buy all my toiletries, cleaning products, off the shelf medicine and personal items as well as a lot of cupboard food from Home Bargains so no, they should stay open.

Don't have these shops in my area but if they don't sell essentials then I guess they will shut with the new lockdown?

Our B&M has loads of food and a whole aisle of freezers. You could pretty much get a full shop from there other than fruit and veg.

They do sell essentials

Only essential things should be sold , people shouldn't be going around browsing now
Anywhere sells food , medicine , cleaning supplies etc only that should be open whilst numbers are high and that includes supermarkets
Plus back to ltd numbers and no tesco shouldn't be your whole families day out trip
Only those that are on their own / need assistance should be taking kids other family members in
Local supermarket to me has had several members of staff with covid

@dementedpixie

They do sell essentials

Then yes they should be open. I can't get too fussed about someone slipping a non essential into their basket along with their food/household items and it's all pretty subjective anyway......

Who decides what's essential? If your kettle blows up or your bulb stops working then you should be able to replace them

@TheWindOnTheMoon

I think they should remain open. I buy food in there and our local branch's food aisle is usually busy. I rely on B&M for my laundry and cleaning products too. For me it's an essential shop.

This. Our B&M is excellent for affordable food and cleaning products. I don’t want to be forced into paying over the odds.

they do sell essential stuff yes but should be restricted with nuimbers like in march too many people in them-and bring back one way aisles

atm theres too many people in these places

No, I don't.

Because they are an essential service to many. They sell food produce and toiletries. Both essential. Not everybody can afford to shop in grocery stores. These stores offer many families a more affordable option.

I'd say B&M and Home Bargains are basically as essential as Lidl and Aldi except no fresh produce. Slightly more cleaning stuff to food, probably similar level of non essentials. Barely more "proper non essentials" than a big Tesco or Asda. Poundland/poundstretcher would be more on the essential side as well.

The Range, not so much. Click and Collect only please, same for Dunelm and Hobbycraft.

Basic clothes (socks, pants, tights) pretty well all kids' clothes

Not this again. If you don't like them being open, don't shop there.

Thing is with those shops is they are often the cheapest place for branded cleaning products and toiletries. My nearest Home Bargains is a fair treck away so I don’t go much but when I do there’s certain products I stock up on.

I suppose in theory they could rearrange - so pure all food, pet stuff, cleaning products and toiletries in one side of the shop and block the rest? The rest really is non - essential - its toys, Candles, craft stuff, household accessories and decor mostly. Block it off / forbid sale and it might prevent going there just for a browse and something to do.

I’m more concerned around me - gaping shops are all open (is that essential?!) The chain photo shop - because it does passport photos is deemed essential. Feeling so sorry for the independent shops and cafes which I can see going down the drain.

No, they should not close. Not everyone can afford supermarket prices.