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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
National
Edel Hughes

Brown Thomas and Arnotts introducing time slot shopping and other major changes once they reopen

Customers hoping to shop in Brown Thomas and Arnotts will be able to book time slots via an app when the shops reopen.

While some small shops are opening from June 8 in Ireland, large department stores are not reopening until June 29.

When the stores do open their doors, customers will be faced with a number of changes and safety measures.

These include garments being steamed after customers handle them, make-up being "tried on" virtually and the quarantining of returned goods.

Capacity will also be greatly reduced, with a maximum of 450 customers allowed into Brown Thomas on Grafton Street at any one time and 1,100 in Arnotts to facilitate social distancing, The Irish Times reports.

These measures will apply to the Dublin stores as well as Brown Thomas branches in Limerick, Cork and Galway.

All are due to reopen on June 29 as they are classed as "large stores".

Donald McDonald, managing director of both stores, which are owned by UK group Selfridges, said customers will be able to book entry to the shops via an app.

However, walk-in customers will be allowed also, via a queuing system, if necessary.

The number of customers entering and exiting the shops will be counted and displayed on a monitor.

Fitting rooms will be open but there will be strict controls, including the steaming and sanitisation of garments after they are handled.

Both stores will also have digital screens at beauty counters, allowing customers to "try on" makeup virtually.

Restaurants and toilets will also be closed initially.

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