Greggs has become the latest high street stalwart to announce plans to reopen stores despite the ongoing coronavirus lockdown.
B&Q was one of the first big names to reopen its doors to shoppers, while John Lewis has said it hopes to reopen all branches next month.
The beloved bakery chain said it plans to reopen a small number of stores for takeaway and delivery next week after shutting all of its sites last month owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Greggs CEO Roger Whiteside has revealed plans to open 20 stores in the Newcastle area from Monday May 4 as part of a “controlled trial”.
It comes after Boris Johnson resisted pressure to release plans for easing restrictions, instead urging the public to stay at home in order to avoid a second peak in infections.
But Mr Whiteside said he hopes the trial will give the business a better idea of what changes need to be made to operate safely and meet social distancing guidelines.
He said he estimates that the test-run, which will involve a limited product range and shorter trading hours, will take at least two weeks.
In a letter to staff, Mr Whiteside said he aims to open around 700 stores, including 150 franchise shops, with new operational measures in place from June 8.
“We expect it will only be possible to open this many shops if the Government has taken a first step in relaxing the lockdown, which could be to open the schools,” the chief executive said.
“This timing may change depending on future Government announcements.”
