Discount store re-opening in Raunds tomorrow

Value retailer QD has announced that it is to re-open its Raunds store tomorrow (Wednesday).

The store in Brook Street is currently putting in measures to ensure strict social distancing, allowing customers to circulate safely.

QD, which sells a wide range of food, pet and convenience items, as well as homewares, household and garden items, is classed as an essential retailer, and has been monitoring when it would be appropriate to allow customers to return.

QD group operations director, Karl Ottolangui, said: “We are delighted to be able to reopen on Wednesday and welcome our customers back.

"Following a successful trial of our larger stores, we are continuing a phased re-opening of our branches across the country.

“Regardless of QD being classified as an essential retailer, we closed at the end of March for the well-being of our staff and customers and have been considering when it would appropriate and safe to re-open.

"We have been carefully studying how other essential retailers have handled social distancing to allow them to reopen while keeping staff and customers safe.

"As a result, we have put in place measures that follow best practice and the advice of the government and the British Retail Consortium.

“This does mean that we must strictly limit how many customers can be in the store at any one time, so customers may need to queue before coming in."

QD has created a designated queuing area outside the entrance.

Markers are being placed at two metre intervals to help customers respect each other’s personal space. 

The store also has two metre floor markers inside, and all checkouts are provided with protective plastic screens.

QD temporarily closed its doors at the end of March, donating perishable goods to a wide range of local charities and community groups.

Ron Frater, manager at QD in Raunds, said: “All of the team here at QD are very excited to be back and serving our customers again.

"We are ensuring our shelves are fully stocked and looking forward to being able to supply all our customers’ needs.

“However, for the safety of our customers and staff, we do ask you to bear with us if you have to queue, and to obey the social distancing procedures we have in place, as we are limiting the number of customers in the store at any one time.

"We are providing cleaning stations for our trolleys, encouraging contactless or card payments and asking customers to shop alone if at all possible.”

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