Where Currys PC World will reopen 131 more stores as 'tech help hubs'

The company says staff at each store will be on hand to help customers with tech advice and problem-solving, no matter where it was purchased.

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What else are the company doing?

Currys PC World’s tech experts have been specially briefed to help customers with any tech challenges they may have faced during the lockdown period, and - for the first three days of opening - the place where the product was purchased will not matter.

In addition, the retailer says they will offer free recycling of any tech brought into store that may be cluttering up people’s homes, in a way that is safe and within environmental guidelines.

A spokesman from the company said that expert colleagues will also be on hand to deal with anything else where customers may need support, including exchanges, repairs and returns. The retailer has extended its returns policy to cover items bought in-store up to March 24, 2020, accepting valid returns until July 6, 2020.

What safety measures will be in place?

Queue marshals will ensure that social distancing is maintained in stores.

The company also says it will continue to be open 24/7 with next day home-delivery and same day zero-contact ‘order & collect’ being offered from open stores. Those who prefer to shop from home, but want the benefit of expertise to help them make a purchase, can interact with store colleagues using a ShopLive video personal shopping service.

From June 18, the 131 open stores will move to their 'normal offering', allowing customers to browse shelves safely and buy as normal, while the retailer works to bring back its usual services, slowly and safely. The remainder of Currys PC World stores will look to open over the forthcoming weeks.

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Some of the key safety and cleanliness measures introduced include:

• Limited number of customers allowed in store at one time, with a one-way system and clear floor-markings to keep customers at least two-metres apart.
• Safety screens at checkouts and service desks to protect everyone, with customers encouraged to use contactless payment if possible.
• Clear in-store signage asking customers to speak to a colleague should they want to see a demo (versus touching the technology themselves) who can then show the product in action safely.
• Increased and more regular cleaning and sanitising of trolleys, handrails and products, with protective equipment for colleagues that need it, alongside plenty of anti-bacterial gel dispensers.

What have the owners of Currys PC World said?

Chief operating officer, Mark Allsop from Dixons Carphone said: “Our three day ‘Tech Help Hub’ initiative is part of our commitment to put customers first – even customers that have previously chosen to buy their tech elsewhere. 

“We’re pleased to be opening our stores slowly and safely across the UK and Ireland – and we will maintain extreme vigilance, constantly reviewing and improving our approach to safety in an ever-changing situation. 

“Most importantly we’re proud of our colleagues themselves, people who continue to work hard to make sure consumers across the country get the tech they need safely.”

When will they reopoen, and where?

The full list of locations has yet to be released by Currys PC World, but shoppers should visit Currys.co.uk to check before visiting from June 15.

A spokesman from Currys PC World added: "The 131 stores featuring the ‘Tech Help Hubs’ for the first three days of reopening (June 15-17, 2020) will include 42 fully open stores and 89 locations operating with front of store access across England.

"130 locations have a Carphone Warehouse in-store. The remainder of stores in the UK will reopen over time and alongside government advice.

"A total of 22 zero-contact ‘order & collect’ stores to open on June 15 across Scotland and Wales in line with Scottish and Welsh government guidance."