DIY stores are allowed to remain open during the third coronavirus lockdown in England – but will Homebase do so?
We explain all you need to know about opening times and shopping advice.
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The Prime Minister announced the national shutdown last night to help stop the spread of coronavirus and save the NHS.
As a result, all non-essential shops and businesses must close until at least mid-February.
Where non-essential retailers aren’t allowed to keep their physical stores open, they can still sell things online for delivery and click and collect.
But some stores that the government deems “essential” are allowed to stay open for browsing, including supermarkets, DIY shops and garden centres.
Which businesses can remain open in lockdown?
THE government has published the below list of businesses that can stay open, which is largely similar to Tier 4.
- Supermarkets
- Pharmacies
- Garden centres
- Building merchants and suppliers of building products and off-licences
- Market stalls selling essential retail
- Businesses providing repair services but only if they primarily offer repair services
- Petrol stations
- Automatic (but not manual) car washes
- Vehicle repair and MOT services
- Bicycle shops
- Taxi and vehicle hire businesses
- Banks and building societies
- Post offices
- Short-term loan providers and money transfer businesses
- Funeral directors
- Laundrettes and dry cleaners
- Medical and dental services
- Vets and pet shops
- Animal rescue centres, boarding facilities, and animal groomers
- Agricultural supplies shops
- Mobility and disability support shops
- Storage and distribution facilities
- Car parks
- Public toilets
- Motorway service areas
- Outdoor playgrounds
- Outdoor parts of botanical gardens and heritage sites for exercise
- Places of worship
- Crematoriums and burial grounds
Is Homebase open during the third lockdown?
Homebase hasn’t yet confirmed whether its stores will remain open during the third lockdown, so we’ll update this article once we hear back.
Yet it’s expected to do so given it’s classified as an essential retailer.
Its stores are also listed as open on the Homebase website today, January 5.
To help reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus, customers will have to wear a face mask when inside a shop, unless exempt.
In the second lockdown, Homebase kept all of their stores open, alongside rivals Screwfix, Wickes, B&Q and Toolstation.
Homebase shut stores during the first lockdown in March, but then reopened all 164 of them by May 2.
When are Homebase’s opening times?
Opening times may vary depending on where you live, so it’s worth checking this in advance.
However, stores are typically open from 9am until 6pm Monday through to Saturday and between 10am and 4pm on Sunday.
To find your nearest store and opening hours, check out its branch finder tool.
Can you order online?
Yes, Homebase shoppers can currently click and collect or order for home delivery.
It comes after the retailer suspended online orders last year as the website struggled to keep up with demand.
Online shoppers can click and collect or get standard delivery for free, while next and named day delivery costs from £6.
If you live in Northern Ireland, keep in mind delivery may not be available on all products.
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We explain which businesses can stay open in the third national lockdown.
Meanwhile, all non-essential shops, hair dressers and nail salons will shut during the lockdown.
Keen to do some DIY? Check out the rules and advice for Homebase’s rivals, including B&Q, Screwfix and Wickes.
Woman transforms garden into trendy chill out space for just £100 using bargains from Homebase
