Primark to extend opening hours in almost all stores as huge queues expected

PRIMARK plans to extend opening hours across almost all stores when they reopen next week.

For the first week from April 12, stores will open for two extra hours per day on average – typically an hour earlier and later.

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Primark plans to extend opening hours in almost all stores when they reopen next weekCredit: PA

Huge queues are expected though, so Primark is urging shoppers to “keep up the support and spirit” they showed last year when waiting in line.

The retailer will extend opening hours across 147 of its 160 England and Wales stores to spread demand and help customers shop safely.

Times will vary by store though so customers should check their local opening hours by using Primark’s shop locator tool.

The Sun has asked Primark which stores will have extended opening hours, and we’ll update this article once we hear back.

Shoppers queued to get into Primark stores when they reopened after the first England lockdown in mid-June

Demand was also high in Scotland when stores reopened on June 29Credit: AFP

Huge queues of shoppers were also seen in Wales in November when the firebreak lockdown endedCredit: WNS

What safety measures will be in place at Primark?

PRIMARK will bring back a wide range of safety measures when stores reopen, these include:

Strict social distancing protocol
Limits on the number of customers allowed in store
Requiring the use of face coverings in queues and in-store
Hand sanitisation stations at store entrances
Perspex screens and cubicles at till points
Increased in-store cleaning
Fitting rooms will remain closed for now, but Primark said it’ll keep it under review

Primark has 190 shops across the UK. All of its stores in England and Wales will reopen on April 12.

When the high street favourite opened its doors again after the last lockdown lifted in December, some Primark stores were open for 24 hours.

At the time of reopening, keen shoppers lined the streets and queued for Primark in the dark from 5am.

The announcement comes as non-essential shops were yesterday given the green light to reopen on April 12, alongside pubs and restaurants.

Boris Johnson said the vaccine rollout is to thank for getting Covid under control and getting Britain back on the road to recovery from the pandemic.

Only essential shops have been allowed to open since January in the latest lockdown, including supermarkets and pharmacies.

Other retailers considered non-essential have been closed since the start of the year – but they have been allowed to offer click and collect services.

Paul Marchant, Primark’s chief executive, said: “It’s great to be back.

“Our stores are fully stocked with fresh new season fashion, all at Primark’s famous amazing prices.

“Between our great value, everyday must-haves and hot new season trend collections, we’ve got everything our customers have been waiting for.”