Fenwick rethinks Bond Street store layout as retailer prepares to reopen

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jun 11, 2020

Fenwick has confirmed it will reopen all nine stores from Monday after a 12-week closure due to the coronavirus outbreak.

While stores in Bracknell, Brent Cross, Canterbury, Colchester, Kingston, Newcastle, Tunbridge Wells and York will reopen all departments, shopping at the Bond Street flagship will look very different post-lockdown.

The luxury department store group said only the ground floor of the London store will be open to the public, and the space has been reconfigured to offer a selection of items from all floors.

The other fashion floors will be accessible for assisted shopping on request. This is likely to be a measure to control the number of people in store at the company’s busiest location. 

“With the imminent reopening of our shops, the safety of our colleagues and customers is our absolute priority and we have been working diligently in order to make our stores compliant with the guidelines, yet still give our customers a truly Fenwick experience,” said John Edgar, CEO.

“Premium department stores such as Fenwick are the best place to enjoy shopping in the current situation – as well as the strict safety measures we have put in place, we have ample space, an incredible selection of brands and products all under one roof and plenty of advisors providing excellent customer service. We are ready and prepared to open our physical stores on 15th June and we are very much looking forward to welcoming our customers then.”

To protect the health and safety of colleagues and customers, various social distancing measures will be implemented and fitting rooms will be closed. Returned clothing items will be steamed before going back to the shop floor, while other items will be quarantined for 72 hours.

Fenwick said hosts will greet customers at the door and explain the new system in operation. Restaurants, cafes, and beauty services remain closed as dictated by government guidance. 

Additionally, each door has been designated as either an entry or an exit and some doors will be closed completely, Fenwick said.