Are changing rooms open in shops now? Rules including Primark, H&M and TK Maxx

SHOPPING is returning to normal as coronavirus restrictions lift and the country gets jabbed.

You’ll still be asked to wear a face covering at many shops, but what about changing rooms at your high street faves like Primark, H&M and TK Maxx?

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Fashion brands were finally given the go ahead to open changing rooms again from April 12.

That’s when non-essential shops opened their doors again after the coronavirus lockdown.

But not all shops reopened fitting rooms at the same time and some still remain closed now, so shoppers are not able to try on clothes everywhere they go.

We’ve rounded up which retailers have opened their changing rooms and which have not, as well as the rules in place to keep shoppers and staff safe.

What shop changing rooms are open?

Primark

Primark has finally reopened all its fitting rooms in the UK.

The retailer revealed to The Sun last week that shoppers can try clothes on again.

The move came on ‘Freedom Day’ on July 19 when the final lockdown restrictions were lifted.

Fitting rooms at the high street chain remained closed for safety reasons even after they were allowed to reopen from April.

Desperate shoppers even resorted to trying on clothes on the shopfloor in front of other customers as they remained out of action.

A trial saw the facilities reopen in a handful of stores from the start of July to test out safety measures.

They are now open in all 191 Primark stores in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. 

Primark’s changing rooms will continue to have enhanced cleaning programme and additional safety measures in place, the shop said.

H&M

Fashion brand H&M reopened some of its fitting rooms back in April.

H&M is currently operating a reduced capacity at some stores, so that means not all cubicles in a changing room will be open when you visit.

You may also find that some fitting rooms are temporarily closed because there may not be enough staff.

Changing rooms are open on a store by store basis so it’s best to contact your local store before heading out.

You can find the contact details but typing in your postcode to the store locator tool.

Other safety measures in place include no more than one person in each fitting room, and you’ll also be called forward by staff when a cubicle is available.

River Island

River Island opened most fitting rooms from April 12 in England so customers can try clothes on before buying them.

Some stores will have reduced hours for fitting rooms.

Although social distancing and face masks are no longer necessary by law, customers are asked to make sure other staff and customers are at a comfortable distance.

Fitting rooms in Scotland and Ireland remain closed, the retailer said on its website.

Marks & Spencer

M&S reopened fitting rooms in all its clothing stores from May 17.

When they initially opened, they had set times of 10am to 4pm daily and we’ve asked if this is still in place and will update when we hear back.

The M&S changing rooms reopened after a successful trial at two stores, Marble Arch and Pantheon on Oxford St.

The retailer set up its bra-fitting service again from April 12.

Fitting rooms still have “extensive hygiene measures” in place to keep staff and customers safe.

TK Maxx

All of TK Maxx’s changing rooms are now open again.

Back in April and May the shop told The Sun that it wasn’t opening fitting rooms for customers just yet – but now it has.

The retailer has 349 stores across the UK, of which 307 stores are located in England and Wales.

TK Maxx is also encouraging shoppers to wear a face mask when in store.

John Lewis

John Lewis opened its fitting rooms on April 12, along with other in-store services like kids shoe fittings and home design services.

Rules on social distancing and mask wearing are no longer the law, but the department store is recommending that face coverings be worn, especially at busy times.

New Look

New Look says on its website that all its fitting rooms are now open again in the UK.

The clothes shop has extra cleaning in place to keep everyone safe.

While you are no longer required to wear a face mask or observe social distancing, the store recommends you do in crowded areas and respect other people’s space.

Which shop changing rooms are NOT open?

Next

Next was still deciding on whether to reopen fitting rooms back in April and May when different stage of lockdown lifted.

We’ve asked the retailer if fitting rooms have now reopened to allow customers to try on clothes before buying them and will update when we hear back.

Previously the retailer was looking at the practicality of implementing the rules to opening changing rooms, such as having an extra staff member on hand to man them.

Tesco

Tesco has not reopened its F&F clothing changing rooms yet.

It’s understood there are currently no plans to get the service back up and running again.

Tesco shoppers have been able to pick up clothes throughout lockdown while doing their grocery shop.

That’s because supermarkets have been allowed to stay open and were allowed to sell clothes if they had them in store.

When did changing rooms reopen?

Shops were allowed to open fitting rooms from April 12 without the need to quarantine clothing afterwards.

Previously shops were ordered to keep their changing rooms shut, after they reopened last summer.

But retailers called for change amid fears people wouldn’t return to high streets and would continue shopping online instead.

Retailers don’t have to offer fitting room services again and some are choosing not to.

Brits no longer legally have to wear masks or stick to social distancing from July 19 – but shops can still demand customers to wear them.

All the major supermarkets are encouraging shoppers to continue to wear masks too, and they are insisting on leaving signage up that recommends this.

We have the full list of businesses not opening just yet as well, but we can tell you when they can hopefully return.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk