NEWS | Round-up


England’s second national lockdown has had more twists and turns than Hampton Court maze, with the Government telling KBB retailers one thing then changing its mind. Here’s how the story played out...


Confusion reigns as KBB retailers seek clarifi cation over lockdown measures


NOV 2 KBB RETAILERS across England


are calling for confi rmation from the Government as to whether showrooms can remain open during the new month-long, nationwide lockdown that comes into force from Thursday, November 5.


The Government’s announcement of the latest national lockdown measures included news that all “non-essential” retail outlets in England would have to close. However, based on the


lack of


specifi c information and how the scenario played out during the last lockdown – when national KBB retailer Wren reopened its stores in May after getting full clearance from Trading Standards – KBB retailers are understandably confused and looking for guidance on the matter.


Following a statement


from the BiKBBI, early this morning [November 2] kbbreview was able to confi rm that – because government guide lines on working in other people’s homes remain unchanged – KBB installations could carry on through the lockdown.


Reacting to the news of a new month-long lockdown, Paul Ballantyne (above right),


6


managing director of Andover Bathroom Collection and member of the kbbreview100 initiative said: “It is still unclear as to how the lockdown will affect business. At the moment, we are carrying on as normal, keeping our clients informed as we go, until we know for sure if we can keep the showroom open. “If it is confi rmed that we are able to keep the showroom open, we will open on a ‘by appointment’ basis.” Also part of the kbbreview100, Emily Hyde (below left), bathroom design director at Sanctuary Kitchens and Bathrooms in Shepperton, added: “Based on current information yes, we plan to close the showroom. We will, however, reassess this as the government advice is updated.


“If we can open within government guidelines, without any reservations on the clarity of this, we will do so. I do feel to open against clear government guidelines is bad PR, especially on our high-street location when all other ‘non-essential’ shops are closed.”


Kbbreview has been in touch with the Govern ment


for


clarifi cation as to whether KBB showrooms will again be exempt from lockdown restrictions and able to operate.


KBB retailers CAN open


during lockdown NOV 4


KITCHEN AND bathroom retailers in England CAN stay open during lockdown, kbbreview has learnt. The rules surrounding the lockdown – that kicks in at midnight tonight [November 4] – have been unclear since it was fi rst announced. During the press conference announcing the new measures, the Government said that ‘non-essential retail’ was required to close. However, based on the


lack of


specifi c information and how the scenario played out during the last lockdown – when national KBB retailer Wren reopened its stores in May after getting full clearance from Trading Standards – KBB retailers were, understandably, left confused and looking for guidance on the matter. However, the KBSA has now


confi rmed that showrooms can remain open when the new lockdown comes into force. The advice follows the publication of


both legislation and guidance regarding ‘non-essential’ retail. As with the


previous lockdown, the Gov -


ernment has stated that ‘hardware stores and builders merchants’ are classed as essential retail.


KBSA national chair Richard Hibbert said: “We have acted swiftly to clear any confusion, around the defi nition of ‘non-essential’ within the new legislation, and confi rmed our position with BEIS.


“This is good news for independent retailers. A stop-start situation during this busy period, when projects are in hand for a Christmas completion, would have caused huge complications.


“Members are also being advised to ensure that they continue to operate in a Covid-19 secure manner.” He added: “We remain committed


to supporting members and the wider audience of independent retailers as they negotiate their way through this challenging period.”


· December 2020


THE TWISTS AND TURNS OF


LOCKDOWN 2.0


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