Dobbies reopens 54 UK sites amid Covid-19 pandemic

Garden centre chain Dobbies is to reopen all of 54 of its UK sites today (13 May 2020), following government guidelines to close amid the Covid-19 lockdown.

The garden retailer, which temporarily closed its doors in March, said it has introduced a range of safety and social distancing measures, which include limiting the number of customers in stores and operating queuing systems outside its stores with two meter markers.

Dobbies also revealed, hand sanitising and trolley cleaning systems will be placed at the entrance, as PPE will be provided to its employees and protected by plastic screens at checkouts.

While its in-store restaurant remains closed, the garden retailer said it will offer a takeaway menu from Friday (15 May).

Graeme Jenkins, CEO, said: “We have taken care to ensure we are following guidance provided by the government, British Retail Consortium and Horticultural Trade Association to reopen responsibly.

“Our team is well prepared, social distancing measures are in place and we look forward to welcoming customers back into our stores across England.”