EE stores to be open longer to cope with post lockdown demand
Stores are set to open on April 12
Saf Malik
April 7, 2021
90pc of consumers are looking forward to the reopening of non-essential stores, according to research from O2
O2 has set out £4.4 million worth of investment on its retail stores as the operator anticipates a footfall bounce-back.
The MNO has already invested £3.1m in its stores nationwide since January as part of plans to reopen, with an additional £1.3m planned by the middle of this year.
As part of the latest refit, locations have been refreshed with new furniture and energy efficient LED lamps.
Stores in locations including Romford, Perth and Grimsby are set to benefit from the investment.
Meanwhile flagship stores including at The O2, Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham will showcase new holographic technology.
According to research from O2, 62 per cent of consumers have missed visiting physical shops during the Covid-19 restrictions, with 65pc planning to hit the high street to buy products they would have got online during the lockdown.
O2 director of sales and service Gareth Turpin said: “We know that customers are more comfortable than ever with online shopping. But that’s only part of the picture – and we’ve heard loud and clear the benefits that high street stores bring.
“Now we’re making sure our stores are ready for what customers really need – and we’re committed to supporting the British high street as lockdown lifts.”
Reopening measures
With stores set to open in the UK from April 12, O2 has also set out plans for its teams to implement.
Social distancing will continue to be enforced, along with a limit on customers in a store at any given time, with customers adhering to an appointment system.
All employees will be wearing PPE, while the contactless payment limit is £45. Regular cleaning processes will also be carried out by staff in store.