Curry’s PC World to reopen 131 stores as ‘tech help hubs’
Currys PC World has unveiled plans for a phased reopening of 131 of its stores from next week, initially opening as ‘Tech Help Hubs’ to support customers with “existing tech needs”.
Launching from Monday 15 June, the retailer said for the first three days its stores will be used to help customers with tech advice and problem-solving, “no matter where it was purchased”.
From 18 June, the 131 open stores will then move to the normal Currys PC World offering, allowing customers to browse shelves safely and buy as normal. It also revealed that the remainder of Currys PC World stores will look to open over the forthcoming weeks.
Curry’s said it has installed queue marshals, practising social distancing, that will engage customers to understand their requirements and match them to the expertise of Currys PC World in-store staff.
There will also be a limited number of customers allowed in store at one time, with a one-way system and clear floor-markings to keep customers at least 2 meters apart. Safety screens at checkouts and service desks to protect everyone, with customers encouraged to use contactless payment will also be implemented.
The retailer said it has also implemented a ‘slowly and safely’ approach which will also include a process for constantly “challenging and improving” its own measures for colleagues and customers.
The process includes the creation of a digital forum for its staff to exchange learnings, as well the introduction of a Safety Review Board. The board will meet weekly, with the attendance of store managers, safety experts and Alex Baldock, the group’s CEO, who will attend for the next few weeks.
Mark Allsop, COO of Curry’s owner Dixons Carphone, said: “Our three day ‘Tech Help Hub’ initiative is part of our commitment to put customers first – even customers that have previously chosen to buy their tech elsewhere.
“We’re pleased to be opening our stores slowly and safely across the UK & Ireland – and we will maintain extreme vigilance, constantly reviewing and improving our approach to safety in an ever-changing situation.”
He added; “Most importantly we’re proud of our colleagues themselves, people who continue to work hard to make sure consumers across the country get the tech they need safely.”