Primark could reopen stores in Scotland by 'late June' as it anticipates lockdown measures easing following the coronavirus pandemic.
The fashion giant is expected to reopen 281 of its branches in England by June 15 after the government gave non-essential retailers the green light to welcome customers.
The store's owner, Associated British Foods (ABF), said it is awaiting further guidance from the Scottish Government regarding stores up north - but anticipates openings in "late June", The Mirror reports.
It also hopes to reopen stores in Northern Ireland and Wales by the end of the month.
In a statement, the Primark owner said: "As European governments have begun to ease restrictions on clothing retailing we have been able to reopen stores.
"Safety has been our highest priority in our detailed preparations to welcome our customers and employees back to stores. We are following government safety advice in all markets."
Primark stores have already kick-started trading overseas, including branches in Austria, the Netherland s, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Slovenia, France, the US, Portugal and Spain.
"Importantly, we will apply the valuable experience gained from more than 100 stores which are already open as we open the remainder of our estate, including stores across the UK," Primark added.
"Social distancing protocols, hand sanitiser stations, perspex screens at tills and additional cleaning of high frequency touch points in the store are among the measures we are implementing.
"These measures are designed to safeguard the health and wellbeing of everyone in store and to instil confidence in the store environment. Feedback from customers and employees in those markets where the stores are open has been positive."
Since closing, Primark - which has no retail website - has been losing £650 million a month in sales.
Safety measures being implemented across all Primark stores
- Limits on the number of customers allowed in store at any one time to allow for the appropriate distance in between customers and employees, following local government guidelines
- Clear signage and floor decals, as well as dedicated employees and additional security staff, to guide customers through the store in a way that limits contact with others.
- Every second till will be closed to allow more space between customers and employees.
- Personal protection for employees and customers:
- Hand sanitiser will be made available at the entrance and on the shop floor and back of house for employee and customer use. Face masks and gloves will be made available to employees if they wish to use them.
- Perspex screens have been installed on tills to protect customers and employees
- Increased in-store cleaning.
- The frequency and rigour of store cleaning will both increase, particularly around high frequency touchpoints such as tills, escalators, lifts, and employee areas in back of house
