Greggs reopening 800 stores across UK for takeaway from today

Bakery chain hopes to open remaining 1,000 stores by early July

Queue forms outside as Greggs in Leeds re-opens (Greggs/PA Wire)

Greggs is reopening around 800 of its stores across the UK for takeaway, with the aim of reopening the remaining 1,000 branches by early July.

From Thursday 18 June, the 800 stores listed by Greggs on its website are reopening for the public.

The sites have been revamped ahead of the reopening, with markings placed on the floor and screens installed at counters as part of several measures to prevent further spread of the coronavirus.

Staff will be wearing protective clothes while at work and a reduced menu will be offered to customers as a means of encouraging social distancing in the kitchens and at workspaces.

Greggs has stated that it isn’t expecting a surge in sales as the chain reopens, with fewer customers being allowed in stores at once.

Therefore, some members of staff “will remain furloughed until sales levels begin returning to normal”, the firm said.

While Greggs was allowed to stay open during lockdown, the chain decided to close its doors in order to protect its employees.

On Tuesday 16 June, the company acknowledged that it is uncertain how reopening its stores for takeaway will affect sales.

“We are not able to predict the impact of social distancing on our ability to trade or on customer demand,” Greggs said.

“However, our capacity to operate will be restricted by size of shop and we must anticipate that sales may be lower than normal for some time.”

(Greggs/PA Wire (Greggs/PA Wire)

The reopening of the 800 shops follows a trial reopening of a select number of stores in the North East.

Cash will not be accepted at the stores, with only payment via card, contactless or Greggs Rewards allowed.

A small number of branches will offer a digital-only service, so customers can order from Greggs through Just Eat or through the new Greggs Click and Collect service.

Greggs stated that “in anticipation of lower sales”, Greggs’ menu has been limited to “best sellers”.

“Therefore a number of our manufacturing operational teams will remain furloughed until demand reaches a level that justifies the addition of remaining product lines,” the firm said.

(Greggs/PA Wire (Greggs/PA Wire)

Looking into the long-term, Greggs has said it has temporarily suspended its plans to open new stores, with the exception of the shops it was already legally committed to opening, which affects 10 new sites.

Chief executive Roger Whiteside said the company is “excited” to be reopening its stores while times remain uncertain.

“Looking forward, although great uncertainty remains, we are excited to be resuming our service for many customers this week,” Mr Whiteside said.

“We are confident of our ability to adapt to market conditions in the short term while continuing to invest in the long-term growth of our business.”