These Matalan stores are now open in Leeds ahead of non-essential shops reopening

The chain, which is classed as an 'essential' retailer due to its home section, reopened its store in Halton on Monday, May 18.

A change to Government guidelines permitted large homeware stores to reopen from May 1 providing they implemented strict social distancing measures.

The Kirkstall store opened on Thursday, June 4 and Matalan's website shows the city centre and Wortley branches are also now open. The chain has reopened 175 stores across the England and Northern Ireland.

Customers are required to queue at a two metre distance outside the store, before being greeted by a customer service assistance and asked to use the hand sanitiser provided at the entrance.

A spokesperson for Matalan said: "The re-opening of these stores follows rigorous in-store testing and consultation with industry bodies, our colleagues and our customers.

"Our new enhanced health and safety measures will ensure that every open Matalan store will be fully compliant with social distancing rules, with employees trained appropriately and provided with full PPE.

"We are confident that these safety measures are fully compliant with the guidance provided by the UK Government, Northern Ireland Executive, Public Health England and the Department of Health."

Non-essential stores in Leeds will be able to reopen on Monday as part of the government’s phased plans to ease lockdown restrictions.

These are 14 Leeds shops confirmed to be reopening next week.

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