Queues 'manageable' at reopened B&Q in Athlone

Staff at B&Q in Athlone were delighted to get back to normality as the phased lifting of Covid restrictions began last week.

It was a different reality for both the staff and customers, with new operating procedures in store and face masks, visors, gloves, hand sanitisation stations and a managed queuing system all part of the ‘new normal’.

John Mulleady, store manager at B&Q Arcadia Athlone, said he especially wanted to thank customers and staff for the ease at which they had adapted to the new procedures.

"There has been a really friendly atmosphere in store all week – the sunshine has certainly helped!" he said.

"I think customers appreciate all of the new procedures that have been put in place for their safety. Of course, we are very appreciative of their custom.

"We have seen strong sales with the garden centre and outdoor products including garden furniture and barbeques are selling well. Which is as you’d expect, really, with the great weather and people spending more time at home.

"Finally I would advise everyone, especially the elderly, that there is generally little or no queuing between 8am and 10am in the mornings, and from 5.30pm to 7pm in the evenings. That said, the queue has been fairly manageable all week – it’s been solid and steady rather than big crowds."

The size of the B&Q Athlone store – it is over 50,000 square feet with a 10,000 square foot outside Garden Centre – is an advantage in the new Covid-19 world and inside the store there are new social distancing markings, posters and signs, while staff have been provided with masks or clear visors to wear.

Fiachra McLoughlin, Director of Arcadia Retail Park, said the reopening of B&Q had been managed very professionally.

"It’s nice to see our car park busy again and people loading up their car boots – there’s obviously a lot of gardening, painting and DIY projects getting done out there," he said.

Caroline Muldoon, Commercial Manager Arcadia Retail Park said: "We had wondered if queues might be an issue but it’s been steady throughout the day without any big problems.

"The main thing that helps is for customers to plan their visit and purchases in advance to keep things moving briskly. Also, the B&Q long opening hours have really helped," she said.