DIY chains B&Q, Homebase and Wickes have reopened a vast number of stores after closing in March due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Hardware stores have been named as essential retailers by the Government but they still largely shut their doors temporarily due to the pandemic.

Here's a round-up of what we know.

What have Homebase said?

On Wednesday, April 29, Homebase said it had reopened another 50 sites following a successful trial across 20 stores which it opened last week.

The retailer said its remaining UK outlets will all be reopened for customers to browse and shop from Saturday.

Damian McGloughlin, chief executive officer at Homebase, said: “We have taken this time to carefully review and make a large number of changes to our operations in preparation for a safe, phased reopening, in line with Government guidance on social distancing.

“It has taken a tremendous amount of hard work and commitment from our teams across all parts of the business to ensure we are ready to safely welcome customers back through our doors.

“I’m extremely grateful for the dedication shown by every single team member, and to our customers, for the huge support and understanding.”

What have B&Q said?

B&Q, which was one of the first to reopen stores, said on Wednesday, April 29, that it is now welcoming customers to all 288 of its outlets.

It said it is “strictly limiting the number of customers in store at any one time” and has placed two-metre markers outside its shops to help people in queues socially distance.

Graham Bell, B&Q chief executive officer, said: “During this time of self-isolation and social distancing, we’re all learning new ways of living and shopping. We’ve watched how other essential retailers have supported social distancing in their stores and followed their best practice with trials at 14 stores.

“Following the success of the trials, with customers adhering to our social distancing measures, we’ve now opened over half of our stores.

“We’re confident that our strict social distancing measures keep customers and colleagues safe while helping homes and gardens, as well as people’s wellbeing, to be maintained.”

What have Wickes said?

Meanwhile, Wickes has launched a trial to reopen six stores with new social distancing measures in place.

It said stores in Pudsey, Cheltenham, Preston, Sevenoaks, Cricklewood and Hailsham will open to the public on Thursday, April 30.

The retailer said the trial stores will operate shorter opening hours on Monday to Saturday, opening from 7am to 6pm.