B&Q is trialling the reopening of 14 stores with strict social distancing measures in place.
The DIY chain has been closed since the end of March after the UK was put into lockdown, although customers have been able to use click and collect services to purchase goods.
It says it is now in a position to open some of the stores, with strict hygiene and social distancing measures in place to protect both customers and staff.
The stores will be open from 8am to 5pm, although they will not be operating click and collect services, except the branch in Paisley.
Two branches reopened on Saturday morning - at Paisley and West Thurrock - with a dozen more to open in the days ahead.
The 14 stores that have reopened are:
- Paisley
- West Thurrock
- Culverhouse Cross in Cardiff
- Chester
- Brandon Road in Coventry
- Fareham
- Gillingham
- Ipswich
- Nursling
- Plymouth
- Stockport
- Sutton in Ashfield
- Watford
- Hull Road in York
A B&Q spokesman said: "As an essential retailer, we’ve watched other essential retailers support social distancing in their stores and are now in a position to follow best practice and re-open a small number of our stores as a trial, while keeping our colleagues and customers safe.
"We’re strictly limiting the number of customers in store at any one time, and so customers may need to queue before entering the store.
"To help remind everyone to respect each other’s personal space, we have two metre floor markers throughout these stores and also Perspex screens at the checkouts."
Customers visiting the stores will only be able to buy products that are available in the store on the day.
Services such as kitchen and bathroom design, paint mixing, timber cutting and key cutting are not available for the time being.
The store will also only be accepting card and contactless payments.
The spokesman added: "We’re urging all customers to follow the government’s social distancing guidelines and to shop responsibly only for what is necessary."
