B&Q stores are open during the third coronavirus lockdown in England.
This is because B&Q has been classed as an "essential" retailer due to it selling home repair items.
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Non-essential shops have had to close under the third lockdown – but this is soon set to change.
As part of Boris Johnson's four-step roadmap, the high street can welcome back customers from April 12 at the earliest.
The roadmap out of lockdown will be done in stages, and is dependent on coronavirus cases remaining under control and the vaccine rollout staying on target.
If you want to avoid going into a B&Q store, you can also still order items online for home delivery and click and collect.
Delivery charges apply – we explain more below – but click and collect is free.
What time is B&Q open?
The Government rules for lockdown divide shops into essential and non-essential, with essential shops allowed to continue operating and non-essential ones forced to close.
B&Q and all DIY stores are considered essential – so they can stay open, along with supermarkets and banks.
Stores are open from 7am until 8pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays, but check ahead in case there are any local changes.
You can use B&Q's store finder tool to find the opening times at your nearby stores.
You should only go to B&Q if it's for essentials, for example a part to fix your plumbing or if it's related to moving home – you can still browse and shop for non-essentials online.
B&Q has almost 300 shops across the UK.
What are the rules for shopping at B&Q stores?
When you go to a B&Q store, you can expect some safety measures and rules.
You'll have to follow social distancing measures in store and if you're queuing to get in outside, keep two metres apart and make sure you wear a mask, unless exempt.
There will be markers and signage explaining what you need to do.
On its website, B&Q has said that customers should sanitise their hands before entering the store using the shop's hand sanitiser station.
Shoppers should also shop in groups in small groups, no more than two people.
B&Q is advising people to shop at quieter times of the day, which is earlier in the morning and later in the afternoon, when they can expect less queuing.
You should have a shopping list ready so that staff can guide you to the right section rather than browsing.
At the checkout, paying with contactless is preferred over cash where possible.
How to protect yourself while online shopping
- GUT FEELING: Stick to popular retailers such as Amazon, Currys and Argos.
If you are looking at less well known sites, trust your instinct. Do not shop anywhere that looks unprofessional, has odd pop-ups or is selling items at prices that seem too good to be true. - FAKE NEWS: Do not reveal any unnecessary personal information. All you need to give is your name, address and payment details.
Avoid clicking on links on emails. Phishing scams can stem from messages that seem legitimate, but send you to bogus sites that collect information to steal your identity.
Instead, type the URL directly into the search bar. - NOT SO SMART: Use your computer instead of your mobile. Most phones do not have anti-virus software, and it is harder to tell whether shortened URLs used on social media are legitimate.
Also, wait until you are home and on a password-protected wifi network as public hotspots do not protect your data. Regularly update your browser to boost your security. - HACKED OFF: Using the same password for every retailer you sign up for may seem like the easy option but it makes hackers’ job easy.
Use complicated passwords, make them different for each site and change them every few months. - ADDRESS IT: Check that the website you are using has HTTPS in the URL, as the “S” indicates that the way your information is being sent is secure. Another sign of a secure site is a small padlock on the screen.
How do I click and collect at B&Q in lockdown?
You can order what you want online and then pick it up in store, saving you having to walk around inside shops.
When you're buying online, simply choose click and collect and select which store you want to pick up your order from.
It will be ready within one hour, unless the store is closing sooner in which case it will be the next day.
You'll need to have your order confirmation, either on your phone or printed out, the card you paid with, and proof of identity (driving licence, passport or proof of age card).
Someone else can collect the order for you but they will need the order conformation and their own ID.
Click and collect is free from B&Q.
How do I get B&Q home delivery?
You can buy online and get delivery to your home so you don't have to visit any branch at all.
Next day and named day delivery costs £5 or is free for orders over £50, while there's an additional £5 fee for Sunday delivery.
Larger items are £10 or free on orders over £250 and for bulk delivery it's £30 or free on orders over £350.
Keep in mind the process is different if you're ordering an entire bathroom or kitchen and getting it delivered.
Supermarkets remain open during lockdown because they are classed as an essential shop.
From McDonald's to KFC, we explain which food chains are still offering delivery and takeaway during the second national lockdown.
When can non-essential shops open in England? We explain all you need to know.
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