Is Argos open in Tier 4? Opening times and hours explained

MANY businesses in parts of England have been forced to close since being plunged into a Tier 4 lockdown – but what does this mean for Argos stores?

London and parts of the South East were put into the tough new restrictions – which includes a plea to stay at home – on Sunday.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

1

The Sun understands that more of England will be placed into Tier 4 as soon as Boxing Day, with Boris expected to make an announcement later today.

It’s hoped the new rules will help stop the spread of a mutant strain of the virus that’s believed to be behind a surge in hospitalisations.

Tier 4 is essentially the same as a full lockdown, with all non-essential shops ordered to temporarily close.

Pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and beauty salons must all shut down until restrictions are lifted – only essential shops like supermarkets are allowed to stay open.

The closures are a blow to last minute Christmas shoppers who were relying on the high street to pick up last minute presents.

Here, we explain what the new rules mean for Argos stores in England:

Is Argos open in Tier 4?

Standalone stores in Tier 4 areas of England will only be open for customers to collect pre-paid online orders.

Shoppers won’t be allowed to enter the stores, with staff bringing the items to them outside.

Customers won’t be able to buy any items in store either and returns will need to be made at Argos shops inside Sainsbury’s supermarkets.

Argos shops inside Sainsbury’s supermarkets will stay open for the collection of pre-paid online orders.

Shoppers can also make new purchases in store too, as well as return items.

The same rules apply to Argos shops in Wales, which entered a new lockdown on December 20.

Argos branches in Scotland and Northern Ireland remain open as usual.

Is Argos open in Tiers 1, 2 and 3?

Yes, Argos stores are open in Tiers 1, 2 and 3, where the coronavirus restrictions are not so strict.

Customers must follow the Covid-secure guidelines though, including social distancing and wearing a facemask.

When is Argos open over Christmas?

Argos opening hours across the UK may be different to normal over the Christmas period.

In general, stores will open at 9am until 6pm – or until 7pm if it’s inside a Sainsbury’s – on Christmas Eve to give shoppers a chance to pick up any last minute gifts.

All stores will be closed on Christmas Day and will open again on Boxing Day but with reduced hours.

On December 26, standalone shops and ones inside a Sainsbury’s supermarket will open at 10am until 5pm.

XMAS LOCKDOWN

What businesses and non-essential shops are open in Tier 4?

BENEFITS CAP

Over 35,000 families on Universal Credit to lose £62 a week as Covid rules end

XMAS BARGAIN

Boots slashes gift set prices by more than half price

ECONOMY SLUMP

UK is on the verge of a double-dip recession – how to protect your finances

SUPERMARKET SWEEP

Tesco’s Christmas and New Year’s opening hours explained

STOCK UP

Supermarket Xmas opening hours for 2020 including Tesco, Aldi and Morrisons

However, it’s worth noting that opening hours may vary so it’s worth checking your local branch before heading out.

You can do this by typing in your postcode to the store locator tool.

An Argos spokesperson said: “We have reduced our opening hours for Boxing Day to allow all our colleagues to spend a little more time with their families, while enabling our customers to shop for the items they may need during the festive period.”

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk