May 26, 2020 3.30 pm This story is over 59 months old

Greggs to re-open third of stores next month

Greggs re-opening in Lincolnshire mid-June
Photo: The Lincolnite
By Local Democracy Reporter

Britain’s largest bakery chain, Greggs, has announced it is planning to reopen 800 stores in mid-June.

The chain has 2,050 stores across the UK, with over 30 of them in Lincolnshire, and plans to open 800 of them next month.

The pastry giant closed all shops in March amid the coronavirus pandemic, but is now looking to move ahead alongside the staggered relaxation of lockdown.

It is yet to be announced as to which stores will re-open. There are over 30 branches in Lincolnshire.

A spokesperson for Greggs said: “We have planned and delivered robust shop trials using our new operational safety measures and they have progressed well, allowing us to now move to open an increased number of our shops from mid-June.”

Initial trials took place in a few stores behind closed doors, including the possibility of click and collect, delivery services and walk-in customers.

Those trials were ultimately successful, and the chain is now preparing for a phased return in June.

New lockdown guidelines announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson have been set up to allow the retail sector to return on June 15.