DIY stores have been able to stay open throughout several UK lockdowns, which has been useful for those using their spare time fixing up their homes.
But before you head out to grab some supplies for your next project, it’s worth checking what restrictions will be in place and whether opening times have changed.
Social distancing and face masks rules are likely to be ditched from 19 July, although businesses can enforce their own rules.
In this article, we’ll reveal what you need to know, so you can get hold of what you need from Argos, B&Q, Homebase, Screwfix or Wickes.
We’ll also cover what you can expect and whether each retailer has any advice for its customers. If a retailer decides to enforce any restrictions after 19 July, we’ll update this article.
Before we jump in, it’s worth stressing you must wear a face mask at these retailers (unless you’re exempt) or face being fined, and follow social distancing rules.
Argos opening times
While Argos is not a DIY specialist, people can buy a range of tools and equipment from the retailer.
All Argos stores (including those within a Sainsbury’s store) are open, and you can now purchase items in-store, as well as return any items.
It’s worth stressing that you should follow any supermarket rules if you’re using an Argos within a Sainsbury’s store.
If you prefer, you can pre-pay for any orders online and collect in store or get your goods delivered.
You can use the store locator tool to find your nearest Argos as opening times vary.
Social distancing measures
Argos recommends ordering products for home delivery or paying for your order online before collection. It is limiting the number of customers in store, so you may need to queue.
If you want to pick up any items during your food shop at Sainsbury’s, it’s worth remembering that the supermarket encourages one person per household to shop and has queuing measures in place.
Customers are recommended to keep a two-metre distance at all times.
You can check out the full list of shopping restrictions for all the main supermarkets here.
B&Q opening times
B&Q, which has nearly 300 stores across the UK, is open 7am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays, but some opening times may slightly differ.
You can use the store locator to find the opening hours for your local.
Click & Collect and home delivery services are available, and you can purchase goods in-store.
You can also get online appointments for kitchen, bathroom and bedroom planning.
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Social distancing measures
If you shop at B&Q, which has two-metre floor markers in store to ensure customers maintain a safe distance, it’s recommended that you pay by card or contactless.
“When shopping in our stores, we continue to ask all our customers to shop responsibly and follow the local Government’s social distancing guidelines,” said a B&Q spokesperson.
“Customers are also able to place orders online for Click and Collect, as well as home delivery, and book an online kitchen, bathroom and bedroom planning appointment."
Homebase opening times
All of Homebase’s stores are open from 9am to either 7pm or 8pm, Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
You can use the store locator to check the opening hours for your local as these could change at short notice.
You can use Click & Collect and home delivery, but Homebase warns collecting items may take longer due to demand.
The DIY retailer may also restrict Click & Collect for individual stores to keep staff and customers safe.
Social distancing measures
Similar to its rivals, Homebase has markers to help maintain social distancing and encourages customers to pay by card or contactless if possible.
Screwfix opening times
Screwfix has 700 stores in the UK and nearly all of them are open from 7am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm on Saturdays and 9am to 4pm on Sundays.
Only three stores are closed – you can find out which stores are affected here.
Screwfix offers Click & Collect and home delivery services, but it warns it is experiencing delays with delivery times. Alternatively, you can purchase items in store.
If you use Click & Collect, you should only travel to the store once you’ve been notified that your item is ready to collect.
Social distancing measures
Screwfix says it has social distancing measures in place, including a one-way system, protection screens at checkouts and limiting the number of customers allowed in store.
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Wickes opening times
There are over 230 Wickes stores in the UK, which are mostly open from 7am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm on Saturdays and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
You can check the store finder for the latest opening times.
Similar to its rivals, both Click & Collect and home delivery is available but it’s recommended you wait for confirmation before going in store to collect your items.
While Click & Collect orders are usually ready to collect within one working hour, Wickes warns it may occasionally take longer than this.
Social distancing measures
Wickes is limiting the number of customers in-store to a maximum of 20 and it’s restricting the number of people shopping together to two, so you may need to queue.
It also aims to keep people at least two metres apart with clear signage and floor markers and encourages contactless card payments.
When you’ve finished shopping, you should use the floor markers to go to the till, and if you’re buying a large product, you should bring a member of your household with you to help carry it.
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