Are homeware shops open today? Full list of branches revealed

HOMEWARE stores are allowed to reopen as the Government takes steps to slowly ease lockdown rules.

But it won't be like it was before the coronavirus crisis - shoppers will only be able to browse in stores as long as they abide by strict social distancing measures.

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Customers will also be able to order goods online to be delivered or for click and collect purposes.

Matalan became one of the first homeware stores to announce plans to reopen after temporarily shutting up shop eight weeks ago.

All non-essential shops were ordered by the Government to close on March 23 in a bid to stop the spread of the deadly Covid-19.

Early in May, Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled a three-stage roadmap for getting the country back on its feet.

It came as Chancellor Rishi Sunak warned that the UK is facing a "never-seen-before" recession due to the pandemic.

For now, here's a round-up of which stores can reopen as the lockdown measures are eased:

Which homeware stores have reopened?

Homeware stores have been added to the Government's list of retailers that are allowed to open during the coronavirus lockdown.

But shops must make sure that customers are able to remain two metres apart from each other when visiting.

These are the homeware stores that have reopened:

Matalan

Matalan opened 15 stores in England from Monday, May 18.

Bosses have assured customers that the stores are fully compliant with social distancing rules and staff have been issued with mandatory PPE.

The stores that it will be reopening are large and spacious branches that are located on out of town retail parks that run a click and collect service.

High street stores, those in shopping centres, clearance stores and shops in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales will remain closed.

A statement on the retailer's website said that the retailer is "extremely happy" to welcome back customers and it thanked staff for "their huge efforts" during the crisis.

The 15 stores that opened on May 18 are:

• Basildon
• Bradford Green Gates
• Bolton
• Cortonwood
• Darlington
• Halifax
• Leeds Halton
• Luton
• Milton Keynes
• Osterley Park/Southall
• Rotherham
• Southport
• Stockton
• Truro
• Walsall - North

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Dunelm

Dunelm opened 39 stores from Monday, May 18, with social distancing and safety measures in place.

If the trial is successful, it hopes to open more stores over the coming weeks.

But even though the stores will be open, the Pausa coffee shops situated inside branches will remain closed.

In the meantime, you can still order goods online and opt to click and collect from your nearest store.

DFS

DFS opened three showrooms on May 22, however, the remaining stores will open from May 29.

On May 22, the furniture retailer opened showrooms in Bolton, Leicester and Milton Keynes.

DFS closed all its stores on March 23 and temporarily stopped all deliveries.

Now, the retailer is offering a limited delivery service across England, based on the location of their distribution centres.

Customers can also book an appointment via the DFS website to purchase furniture and seek advice.

To book an appointment, use the to find your nearest branch, and then click "book an appointment".

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What shops or premises are allowed to reopen?

These are the stores that are allowed to open during lockdown:

• Supermarkets
• Pharmacies
• Takeaways and food deliveries
• Health shops
• Medical services - eg, dentists
• Vets
• Newsagents
• Pet shops
• Hardware stores
• Retail shops in hospitals
• Petrol stations
• Bicycle shops
• Laundrettes and dry cleaners
• Undertakers
• Banks, building socities
• Short-term loan providers, credit unions and cash points
• Storage and distribtion centres
• Post Offices
• Car rental services and car parks near vital services such as supermarkets
• Public toilets
• Car garages and repair shops
• Food banks and shelters

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What shops or premises must stay closed?

• Pubs 
• Clubs 
• Restaurants 
• Non-essential shops, including electronics and clothing stores 
• Hairdressers and nail salons
• Indoor and outdoor markets, excluding food markets 
• Youth centres, libraries and community centres 
• Leisure centres, such as bowling alleys and soft play centres 
• Playgrounds and outdoor gyms
• Places of worship
• Hotels, B&Bs, hostels  - unless key workers or permanent residents

Those who are in desperate need for a haircut will have to wait until July 4 at the earliest, when the Government plans to give these businesses the go-ahead to reopen.

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But there have been many warnings from officials that life won't go back to the way it was, even when most firms, like pubs, are allowed to reopen.

From plastic screens separating punters, to an alcohol limit per visit, we’ve rounded up what changes could be in place when you finally get to visit your local again.