WILKO stores have stayed open throughout the third coronavirus lockdown in England – here’s what you need to know.
Essential shops are allowed to continue to welcome customers because they sell important household goods including toilet roll, cleaning products and medicines.
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The third national shutdown in England came into force January 5, and all non-essential shops and businesses were ordered to close.
The Prime Minister unveiled a four-step roadmap out of lockdown, although warned dates could be pushed back if hospitalisations spike.
Restrictions have started to be eased from Monday March 8, but non-essential retail isn’t expected to open until April 12 under the plans.
Until then, 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 also temporarily removed its pick and mix sweet stands, although these were then brought back in stores in July.
The retailer told The Sun: “At the start of the first Covid-19 lockdown, we did the right thing and removed all pick & mix from sale while we concentrated on making sure we had the correct health and safety measures in place to protect both our team members and our customers.
“We’ve continually listened to the latest government advice regarding selling food since our stores started selling pick & mix again last July.
“All stores have had the necessary precautions in place, including increased cleaning regimes for scoops, disposable gloves and signage for customers to continue to buy their favourite Pick & Mix safely.”
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.
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