This is when Worthing and Littlehampton's Wickes stores are reopening

The retailer has announced the phased reopening of its stores, including its Worthing and Littlehampton branches, over the next two weeks following a successful trial period.

Littlehampton's Broad Piece branch is scheduled for reopening tomorrow (May 14), with its Worthing counterpart in Dominion Road to follow suit on Tuesday, May 19.

All stores will have social distancing measures in place to protect customers and staff, mirroring those set out by other essential retailers.

The number of customers allowed into the store at one time will be limited, with signs and floor markets to ensure people remain two metres apart. Perspex screens have been installed at the tills, sanitising stations are available for customers and staff will wear personal protective equipment.

Shops will also only be accepting card and contactless payments.

David Wood, chief executive of Wickes,, said: “The safety of our colleagues and customers is always our absolute priority. In recent weeks we have taken time to review in great detail how to operate our stores safely in the wake of Covid-19 and we are confident we have put the right measures in place to achieve this.

"We have measured the customers' experience in the Wickes trial stores, with 8 out of 10 describing their experience as ‘excellent’ with regard to feeling ‘safe and secure’. This positive customer feedback is only possible thanks to the hard work of our store colleagues.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of them for how they have responded to the challenges posed by the pandemic in shifting focus to successfully serve our customers through Click & Collect and home delivery. We look forward to welcoming our customers back through our doors in the weeks ahead.”

The opening hours of the stores will still be shorter than they were prior to temporary closures. Store dependent, trading hours Monday to Saturday will start from either 6.00am or 7.00am, closing at 4.00pm or 5.00pm. Sunday trading hours remain 10.00am to 4.00pm.