WILKO stores are staying open during the third coronavirus lockdown in England – here’s what you need to know.
Shops are allowed to remain open to customers because they sell important household goods including toilet roll, cleaning products and medicines.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
1
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the national shutdown this week to help stop the spread of coronavirus and save the NHS.
As a result, all non-essential shops and businesses must close until at least mid-February.
But you should note that the latest government advice states you should only visit a shop if you’re picking up essentials, such as food and medicines.
You should also think twice about buying anything that isn’t critical if you’re struggling financially due to coronavirus.
Which businesses can remain open in lockdown?
THE government has published the below list of businesses that can stay open, which is largely similar to Tier 4.
- Supermarkets
- Pharmacies
- Garden centres
- Building merchants and suppliers of building products
- Off-licences
- Market stalls selling essential retail
- Businesses providing repair services but only if they primarily offer repair services
- Petrol stations
- Automatic (but not manual) car washes
- Vehicle repair and MOT services
- Bicycle shops
- Taxi and vehicle hire businesses
- Banks and building societies
- Post offices
- Short-term loan providers and money transfer businesses
- Funeral directors
- Laundrettes and dry cleaners
- Medical and dental services
- Vets and pet shops
- Animal rescue centres, boarding facilities, and animal groomers
- Agricultural supplies shops
- Mobility and disability support shops
- Storage and distribution facilities
- Car parks
- Public toilets
- Motorway service areas
- Outdoor playgrounds
- Outdoor parts of botanical gardens and heritage sites for exercise
- Places of worship
- Crematoriums and burial grounds
What time are Wilko shops open?
Wilko told The Sun that all 416 of its stores across England will remain open during the third lockdown.
Opening times vary across the UK so you’ll need to use its online store finder to see when your nearest shop is open.
Stores will continue to operate under their usual opening hours, instead of reduced hours like it did during the first lockdown.
Most shops open until 6pm, Monday to Saturday, although some may stay open as late as 8pm. Hours are usually 10am until 4pm on Sundays.
During the first lockdown, Wilko reduced its opening hours to 5pm in all stores so staff could have more time to replenish stock.
Wilko had temporarily removed its pick and mix sweet stands, although it appears to have been brought back in some stores.
The retailer replied to one customer on Twitter confirming the news, although it said the stands are cleaned regularly and scoops are changed frequently.
Replying to the tweet, Wilko said: “The pick and mix area remains open and is cleaned during regular intervals and the scoops are also changed throughout the day, but we ask that gloves are worn for extra hygiene measures.”
We’ve asked Wilko to confirm if it has brought back pick and mix in all its stores, or just some, and we’ll update this article when we know more.
Wilko is still accepting cash payments but asks customers to use cards, preferably contactless, when possible.
It’s also set up some card-only tills to limit the number of cash transactions.
Can I still order from Wilko online?
Yes, Wilko’s website is still up and running meaning shoppers can still order products for home delivery or click and collect.
Wilko charges £5 for standard delivery if you spend under £100. Orders over this amount are free.
The retailer has temporarily suspended its click and collect service, which costs £2.
There’s been no word from Wilko on when it expects to bring this service back.
RIGHT TO STRIKE
British Gas workers’ strike explained
HOME HELP
Stamp duty holiday explained: When does it end and will it be extended?
FARE IS FARE
How to get your money back on cancelled Ryanair flights
FREE FOOD
How to apply for free school meals during lockdown 3
CLEAN LIVING
Can my cleaner come back to work as some lockdown restrictions are lifted?
HAPPY MEAL
Is McDonalds open during lockdown? Opening times for restaurant and drive-thru
We’ve rounded up a full list of businesses that can open or must close during lockdown.
Are banks open during lockdown? Barclays, NatWest, Lloyds and TSB opening times and advice.
Pubs, bars and restaurants are closed but they can offer takeaway and delivery services, although takeaway pints are banned.
Heartbreaking photo captured supermarket worker in tears caused by stockpiling customers
This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
