Graeme Jenkins, CEO for Dobbies, said: “It has been a very positive start to our first day of reopening the Swansea store.
“Our team members have been well briefed on the social distancing measures that have been implemented.
“Customers so far have been most interested in buying plants, tools and compost for their gardens.”
Following updated guidance from the Welsh Government that garden centres may open, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies Garden Centres, reopened its Swansea store on Monday 11 May.
The safety of our team members and customers remains Dobbies’ number one priority and social distancing measures have been implemented to allow the store to operate safely.
A limited number of customers are permitted in the store at one time, with people asked to shop alone, if possible. A queuing system is in operation outside the store, with two metre markers in place to help maintain social distancing. Hand sanitising and trolley cleaning stations will be available at the store entrance.
Protective screens have been installed at tills and customers asked to pay with card or contactless, where possible. Appropriate PPE has been provided for team members, who will also receive training and regular briefings on how to keep themselves and customers safe. Rigorous daily hygiene routines will continue throughout the store.
Whilst the restaurant and soft play will remain temporarily closed, Dobbies will offer a takeaway menu including hot and cold drinks, soups, toasties, panini and selected bakery items from Thursday 14 May. Club Plus members will be able to redeem their hot drink credits and birthday treat vouchers.
Graeme Jenkins added: “We have taken care to ensure we are following guidance provided by the Government, British Retail Consortium and Horticultural Trade Association to reopen responsibly.
“I would like to thank our team members and customers for their understanding during these uncertain times.”
Measures in place for reopening the Swansea store
- We are limiting the number of customers in store at one time
We ask that customers shop alone if possible
A queuing system will be in operation outside the store
Two metre markers will be in place inside and outside of the store
Hand sanitising and trolley cleaning stations will be available at the store entrance
We have installed protective screens at our tills
We ask that customers pay by card or contactless if possible
Appropriate PPE has been provided for team members
Team members will receive training and regular briefings on how to keep themselves and customers safe
We are continuing our rigorous daily hygiene routines throughout the store