DFS has re-opened its outlet near Bolton with staff provided with PPE masks and gloves and limits on the number of customers in store.
The furniture giant closed its outlets across the UK in March when the country went into the coronavirus lockdown.
But it is now reopening three stores in England, including the one at Middlebrook Retail Park.
A spokesman for DFS said: "The Middlebrook Retail Park showroom will be operating with extensive new processes and safety measures in place"
These include
personal protective equipment such as face masks and gloves made available for staff
daily temperature checks for employees
- limiting the number of customers in the showroom at any one time
- introducing hand sanitiser stations
- increasing the frequency of cleaning high contact areas
- comprehensive staff training to ensure consistent adherence to new processes and social distancing
The other two stores being opened by DFS are in Leicester and Milton Keynes.
DFS has three more stores in Greater Manchester and they will remain closed until at least May 29, when the firm plans to continue opening more stores in phases.
Nick Smith, Managing Director of DFS, said: “Since temporarily closing the majority of our operations almost eight weeks ago, we have assessed and adapted our processes across our manufacturing, retail and delivery operations to ensure we can prioritise colleague and customer safety.”
“While the relatively larger size of DFS’ stores means we can effectively maintain strict social distancing, by implementing additional safety measures in line with Government and British Retail Consortium guidance, we are well prepared to welcome colleagues and customers back into our Bolton store.”
DFS is also bringing in new services to help customers limit the time they spend in store, including a 'comfort test' to allow people to test products in store and complete their purchase at home.
