Ted Baker and Joules plan gradual store re-openings

Ted Baker and Joules have announced gradual re-openings of their stores from 15 June, when the lockdown of non-essential retail is lifted in the UK.

Premium and fashion lifestyle brand Ted Baker has said that it will be recalling staff from furlough based on the needs of the business. The forced shutdown of retail led to it furloughing 75% of its staff.

Meanwhile Joules has said that it too will be taking a phased approach to its retail re-opening and, like Ted Baker, was introducing a number of new safety measures into stores.

“We have been carefully planning how best to welcome back and serve our customers whilst following government guidelines and ensuring the safety of our colleagues," said CEO Nick Jones.

“With that in mind, like many others we will be introducing a range of new safeguarding measures, including managing staffing levels to allow for social distancing, limiting the number of customers in store at any one time, introducing perspex screens at points of sale, providing PPE for our employees and enhancing hygiene with the provision of hand sanitiser for customers as they enter stores.

“We’re grateful for the continued amazing support of our customers and colleagues across the business and we’re looking forward to opening our doors again soon,” Jones said.

High street giant Next has said it will be opening 25 stores on 15 June and gradually opening other stores in its estate which counts 500 shops in the UK and Ireland. John Lewis will begin opening stores on 15 June with 13 of its 50 stores scheduled to open in the first phase.