Three UK will be reopening more than 250 stores across England on 15 June, introducing new social distancing and operational measures to protect staff and customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To ensure customers feel safe and supported, all reopened stores will be operating with reduced hours from 10am to 4pm. Anyone who attends a store will be admitted if the store has capacity or given a time to return if the store is busy.
Three says that this is part of a phased reopening approach that will be continuously reviewed alongside government guidance to ensure that social distancing guidelines are adhered to.
The number of people permitted instore will vary depending on the size of the store. When it is safe to do so, more customers will be allowed in-store at one time.
In this initial phase, Three is introducing a number of special measures and equipment, including:
- Ensuring the health of Three staff: In line with government advice, any staff member displaying COVID-19 symptoms will be instructed to self-isolate.
- Reduced staff – To ensure their safety, each store will operate with reduced staff, based on the size of the store.
- ‘Wait here’ signs – Stores will display ‘wait here’ signs to manage the number of customers in stores at any one time.
- Social distancing floor stickers – Floor stickers will help remind customers of the recommended two-metre social distancing rules.
- Perspex screens – Stores will have screens on till point areas to protect customers and staff.
- Hand sanitiser units – All stores will have hand sanitiser for customers to use when entering and leaving.
- Customer handsets – Staff will be advised not to touch customer handsets unless completely essential. All staff will be provided with gloves.
- Enhanced cleaning frequencies – More frequent cleaning of regular touchpoints to be introduced.
Elaine Carey, Chief Commercial Officer, Three UK, said:
“We have carefully considered how we can reopen our retail stores in a changed operating environment and will be introducing a number of new measures to help our colleagues and customers feel safe when visiting our stores.
“The wellbeing of our people and customers has remained at the forefront of our decision making as we work through the impact of COVID-19. While we know our stores will look and feel very different, we’re looking forward to reopening our doors so that we can start to serve our customers on high streets and local communities once more.”
Three stores in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will also reopen in due course, pending government guidance.
