B&Q Sparks Outrage by Reopening Stores Amid Lockdown
B&Q has stirred up controversy by reopening 61 of its stores after closing during the coronavirus lockdown. The move has left many wondering: is DIY really an essential service?
From Closure to Reopening: The Confusing Timeline
- Following the Prime Minister’s lockdown announcement, all non-essential businesses were ordered to shut.
- B&Q was initially allowed to stay open as a provider of trade materials vital to construction workers still on the job.
- Yet, by the end of March, B&Q closed physical stores and switched to contactless click-and-collect only.
- Now, after a trial, 61 stores have been given the green light to reopen with strict safety measures.
Strict Social Distancing Measures in Place
The DIY giant has introduced social distancing controls including:
- Limits on customer numbers inside stores
- Perspex screens at checkout points
- Two-metre floor markers for shopper spacing
B&Q stores with garden centres will also resume sales of plants, sparking fresh complaints.
Public Divided Over B&Q’s ‘Essential’ Status
While many Britons are keen to get cracking on lockdown DIY projects, critics argue reopening encourages unnecessary trips outside.
“This isn’t essential. It puts people at risk by urging them to leave home without real need,” said one online critic.
Others feel mental health is at stake, with DIY providing a vital outlet during isolation.
The reopening comes as UK firms like Aston Martin and Taylor Wimpey gear up to resume operations, signalling a wider push to restart construction and manufacturing amid lockdown.
Your Say: Should B&Q Be Open or Closed?
Is B&Q’s return a common-sense response to the crisis or a reckless move? Join the debate on whether DIY supplies count as essential in these unprecedented times.
