Greggs to reopen 800 stores this week
Greggs has said it will be reopening around 800 shops to takeaway customers this Thursday following a trial programme in a small number of shops.
The stores already open have been used as a testing ground for a range of Covid-19 safety measures including new workwear, equipment and social distancing.
While the retailer said it is unable to predict the impact of social distancing on trade and customer demand, it does expect sales to be lower than usual for some time to come due to social distancing measures reducing store capacities.
As a result, Greggs will be keeping some staff on full or partial furlough until sales levels begin returning to normal. It has also temporarily suspended new shop openings and is approaching landlords regarding rent reductions on existing stores.
Meanwhile, some 19 shops reopening this week will offer delivery and click and collect transactions.
Roger Whiteside, Greggs chief executive, said: “Looking forward, although great uncertainty remains, we are excited to be resuming our service for many customers this week. We are confident of our ability to adapt to market conditions in the short term while continuing to invest in the long-term growth of our business. I want to thank all of our 25,000 colleagues for their support in getting us to this point.”
Greggs is planning reopen the rest of its store estate in July.
