Harrogate M&S reopens clothing section in early sign of lockdown starting to ease

In a sign that shops in Harrogate town centre may be starting to stir just a little as lockdown eases, M&S has partially reopened its clothing section within Government guidance for the first time in two months.

Over the last week, the Cambridge Street store has been working on small changes to make it easier in a safe way during Covid-19 lockdown for customers to access the store and pick up any essential non-food items they need.

Mark Robson, store manager, M&S Harrogate said: "We have reopened our main store entrance on Cambridge Street and the escalators down to our food hall to make it easier for customers.

"When customers arrive, they will see a greeter who will ensure that we manage the number of people entering the food hall via the escalators so that customers and colleagues can practice two-metre social distancing.

"In addition, to continually trading via our website, we are offering a range of clothing and home basics in our Harrogate town centre store – like babywear, underwear, bedding and towels – in the space around our food halls."

As well as re-starting the escalators, M&S has restructured the shop's layout within Government guidelines.

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The women's clothing section on the ground floor has now partially reopened for browsing shoppers while a smaller selection of men's clothing has been moved to what was the furniture section near the food hall.

The first floor or upper floors remains closed.

M&S hopes to be able to re-open more space from June but is awaiting further information from the Government on its general advice on lockdown and social distancing.

Mark Robson said: "These are obviously small changes at the moment but, hopefully, should make it easier for customers to access the store and pick up any essential non-food items they need while spending so much time at home; much as customer can do at other supermarkets at the moment."

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