ARGOS and Currys PC World are among the shops that must close during the winter lockdown in England – we round up the full list.
They retailers are considered non-essential businesses, meaning they’ll have to shut alongside gyms, hairdressers and nail salons.
Argos must shut its stores for browsing during the third national lockdown in England
Boris Johnson announced the nationwide shutdown yesterday evening in an attempt to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
Millions of businesses in Tier 4 areas had already closed, but shops and venues like gyms had been allowed to remain open in Tier 3 areas.
During the lockdown, shops will be allowed to offer click and collect and home delivery services.
Pubs and restaurants will still be allowed to operate takeaway and delivery services – but takeaway pints are banned.
The nationwide shutdown is expected to last until at least mid-February.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also announced a full national lockdown yesterday, while Wales entered a country-wide shutdown on December 28.
And Northern Ireland went into a six-week lockdown from December 26.
So which retailers will be affected by the latest lockdown? Check out our round-up of the major shops below.
Argos
Standalone stores across England are closed during the third national lockdown.
Only standalone stores in Hornsey and Cambridge will stay open for collections.
But shoppers aren’t allowed to enter the stores, with staff bringing the items to them outside.
Customers aren’t able to buy any items in store either and returns need to be made at Argos shops inside Sainsbury’s supermarkets.
Argos shops inside Sainsbury’s supermarkets are open for the collection of pre-paid online orders only.
The retailer offers a free click and collect service, or you can pay £3.95 for home delivery.
Currys PC World
Currys PC World can order items for click and collect during the shutdown
Currys PC World stores are shut for browsing but you can order online and pick up from your nearest store.
If you arrive by car, a Currys staff member will simply put the item in your boot.
Alternatively, you can select the walk-up option instead.
Online shoppers can get both click and collect and standard delivery for free.
Debenhams
Debenhams stores have also been forced to shut for browsing, but you can still order online.
The retailer is offering up to 60% off online in a closing down sale before it disappears from the high street permanently.
If you order for home delivery, you’ll get the items delivered to your doorstep for free as long as you spend more than £50.
If you spend less, you’ll have to pay £3.49 for the trouble.
The retailer currently doesn’t offer a click and collect service.
Disney
If you’re keen to order some Disney items for the little ones or yourself, you’ll have to shop online.
Just be aware that the retailer warns that “there may some disruption to your order” due to the pandemic.
Standard home delivery costs £3.95, while its click and collect option sets you back £2.95.
JD Sports
JD Sports have been forced to shut during the lockdown
With stores shut, JD Sports shoppers can get their order delivered within five to seven working days for £3.99 if it costs less than £70 in total.
If you spend more than £70, you’ll get the order delivered to your home for free.
The retailer has currently suspended its speedier delivery services as well as the click and collect option.
John Lewis
John Lewis stores remain shut for browsing, but you can click and collect from its stores – and it’s free as long as you spend more than £30.
If you spend less, you’ll have to pay £2 for the trouble.
Its home delivery service is also still running, which costs from £3.50 for orders below £50 or it’s free if you spend more.
Shoppers can return any unwanted items up to 35 days after shops reopen following coronavirus restrictions.
Matalan
Matalan’s stores remain shut for browsing but you can click and collect as usual for free, apart from in Northern Ireland.
Alternatively, you can order for standard home delivery for £3.95.
Just keep in mind deliveries may take up to ten days, unless if it’s only sale items, which may delay the delivery for up to 21 days.
Next
Next stores are only open for click and collect and for shoppers returning online orders
In line with government restrictions, all Next stores in England, Scotland and Wales are only open for click and collect or returning online orders.
Stores in Northern Ireland remain fully closed.
But in good news for online shoppers, both Next’s click and collect and standard home delivery service are free.
Primark
Primark shops are also shut and the retailer doesn’t offer online shopping.
In other words, you’ll have to wait until restrictions are eased before you can shop in a Primark store again.
Alternatively, shoppers can buy Primark items online at Asos and Amazon, but be aware you’ll pay higher prices.
Smyths Toys
While Smyths Toys stores are shut, the retailer is offering click and collect and home delivery services.
Click and collect is free, while standard shipping costs £4.99 for orders under £10 and £2.99 for orders between £10 and £19.
If you spend more than £19, you’ll get it delivered for free.
Sports Direct
Sports fans can buy items from Sports Direct for home delivery and click and collect services.
Click and collect at the retailer costs £4.99, but you also get a £5 voucher if you spend more than £100 in one go.
While standard delivery to your doorstep sets you back the same £4.99, but you don’t get the voucher.
Primark customers will have to wait until restrictions are eased before they can shop at the retailer again
The Entertainer
The Entertainer’s stores are shut for both browsing and click and collect, but you get the items delivered to your home.
Standard delivery costs £3.99 for orders under £39.99, or you’ll get it delivered for free if you spend more than this.
Alternatively, express delivery sets you back £5.99.
TK Maxx
TK Maxx’s stores are closed for browsing, and click and collect is not available in all stores either.
If available, the click and collect option costs £1.99, or it’s free if you spend over £50.
Meanwhile, standard home delivery sets you back £3.99 for any orders below £75. If you spend more, it’s free.
Due to the closures, the retailer has extended its returns period for 30 days from the date its stores reopen.
Topshop
Last but not least, Topshop’s stores are also closed and its click and collect service isn’t available either.
Instead, you can get free standard delivery for £2.99 or it’s free on orders over £30.
Alternatively, you can get express delivery which costs £6 or £4 to a Hermes parcel shop.
Delivery is free for Topshop Premier customers, which costs £9.95 per year.
We explain which businesses can stay open in the third national lockdown.
Meanwhile, all non-essential shops, hair dressers and nail salons will close during the shutdown.
Keen to do some DIY? Check out the rules and advice for major retailers including B&Q, Homebase, Screwfix and Wickes.
