DIY stores including Wickes, B&Q and Homebase have reopened some of their stores after previously closing their doors in March due to coronavirus.
The hardware stores have been deemed as essential retailers by the Government as they sell items that help keep homes warm, safe and accessible to power.
B&Q, which closed its doors on March 25, reopened all 288 of its UK stores on Saturday April 30.
The store now has strict social distancing measures in place and is open once again "to help customers repair and maintain their houses and gardens while staying at home."
Meanwhile, Wickes stores has reopened six of its stores in different areas as a trial first.
The stores is operating shorter opening hours on Monday to Saturday, limiting the number of customers in stores at any one time.
Following a successful trial across 20 stores Homebase reopened another 50 sites on April 29.
However, the retailer said its remaining stores will all be reopened for customers to browse and shop from May 2.
Here's everything you need to know about the DIY stores that have reopened.
B&Q
B&Q reopened all of its 288 UK stores on April 30, 2020 after previously shutting their doors on March 25.
The firm then decided to reopen a number of stores, starting with 14 shops which reopened on April 14.
The retailer recently wrote on their social media page: "All our UK stores are open but with strict social distancing measures in place. Help us make your experience as safe and enjoyable as possible by following these guidelines. Help us to help you - socially distanced shopping at B&Q."
The guidelines include limiting the number of customers in a store at any one time, with shopping parties limited to a maximum of two people.
The retailer has also installed perspex screens at checkouts and sanitiser stations for trolleys.
Like supermarkets, B&Q has a designated queuing area outside with two metre markers.
Its stores will be open to customers from 8am until 5pm every day.
However, opening times and operating hours may vary from store to store. Shoppers are advised to use the online store finder for specific details of their local B&Q.
Wickes
Wickes reopened six of its stores on Sunday, April 30 as a trial first.
It had previously shut all of its shops in March but continued offering home deliveries on its websites.
The reopened Wickes stores have strict new social distancing guidelines in place to protect staff and customers.
Its timber cutting and paint mixing services are still unavailable and design appointments can only be attended virtually.
The six stores will be open Monday to Saturday between 7am and 6pm, while on Sundays they will be open between 10am and 4pm.
Wickes will also be limiting the number of customers in the shop at any one time. Only card and contactless payments will be accepted.
Which Wickes stores are open?
- Pudsey
- Cheltenham
- Preston
- Sevenoaks
- Cricklewood
- Hailsham
To find out details of your nearest Wickes store, use the online store finder tool here.
Homebase
The DIY and garden store has reopened all 164 of its stores across the UK with strict social distancing measures in place. It follows a successful trial of 20 of its stores that opened their doors on April 25.
After the trial proved successful, Homebase opened a further 50 outlets four days later.
And the remaining stores opened to the public on May 3.
Damian McGloughlin, Homebase CEO said: "It has taken a tremendous amount of hard work and commitment from our teams across all parts of the business, to ensure we are ready to safely welcome customers back through our doors. I'm extremely grateful for the dedication shown by every single team member, and to our customers, for the huge support and understanding."
Some Homebase services will not be running, including kitchen design appointments, carpet cleaner hire and key cutting.
Stores are open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday (Edinburgh and Hamilton 10am to 5pm on Sunday). Find your nearest Homebase by using the online store finder.
Meanwhile, ministers are facing increased pressure to relax lockdown restrictions to help businesses get back on their feet and households back to normal.
Here's what shops, restaurants and pubs could be like after lockdown measures are relaxed.
