Are changing rooms open in shops now?

CLOTHES shops are now open again across the country as coronavirus lockdown restrictions lift.

But what about changing rooms at your fave high street shops like Primark and H&M?

Shops can reopen changing rooms today but not all retailers are planning toCredit: Getty

Fashion brands were finally given the go ahead to open changing rooms again from April 12, when non-essential shops opened their doors again.

Changing rooms had been closed since last year because of lockdown – Covid-secure guidance meant they had to remain shut.

The rule change is part of the roadmap for leaving lockdown set out by the government to get the country back to normal after covid.

But not all retailers have opened changing rooms yet, even though they are allowed to.

Here’s everything you need to know about fitting rooms reopening.

Will changing rooms be open from today?

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 won’t return to high streets and will continue shopping online.

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

What rules are there for changing rooms?

Retailers and customers have to follow Covid rules when using fitting rooms to try on clothes.

Shop managers need to leave it “several minutes” between customers and cubicles should be cleaned regularly.

Stores are also advised to deploy a member of staff to control entry to changing areas and allow only one person at a time into a cubicle.

But the rules stop short of saying that clothes should be quarantined before being put back out on the shop floor again, as was required of them before.

The guidance says: “The enclosed nature of fitting rooms may result in increased risk of transmission of Covid-19. They should therefore be carefully managed to reduce that risk.

“Retail businesses should update their risk assessments for each premises where fitting rooms are being used.”

Which stores have opened changing rooms?

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 in place to keep customers and staff safe include wearing a face mask (unless exempt) and social distancing.

The retailer has staff on the door to help customers, manage queues and keep an eye on the number of people in store.

H&M

Fashion brand H&M has reopened some of its fitting rooms from April 12.

It is not clear exactly which stores will be open so it may be 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.

River Island

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

Customers will have to follow Covid-secure measures though, such as wearing a mask, social distancing and hand sanitising regularly.

Marks & Spencer

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

Each clothing store is operating set times of 10am to 4pm daily and implementing a number of hygiene measures to keep everyone safe and well.

The changing rooms’ reopening follows a recent successful trial at two stores, Marble Arch and Pantheon on Oxford St.

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

Customers will be able to book appointments for “no contact” fittings and a member of staff will advise shoppers on how to measure themselves.

Which store changing rooms are NOT open?

Some stores have confirmed they will be keeping changing rooms closed for now. These include:

Next is still deciding on whether to reopen fitting rooms to allow customers to try on clothes before buying them.

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

As it stands, the changing rooms are not open but this could change as other retailers model their reopening this week, so we’ll keep you updated if Next change their mind.

TK Maxx

TK Maxx told The Sun it won’t be opening fitting rooms for customers yet.

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

Here are 20 products you can expect to find in store as it reopens.

Primark

Primark has confirmed it will be keeping changing rooms closed to customers as its shops open again, but it told The Sun it will be keeping things “under review”.

On the plus side, the high street fave has extended opening hours at nearly all of its locations.

The Sun had a sneak peek at the Oxford Street store before it reopened – check out what’s in stock.

Plus, we got a first-look at its first-ever maternity range and prices start from £4.