KBB retailers in England will be able to open their showrooms once the lockdown restrictions are lifted on December 2.

Non-essential retail – to include kitchen and bathroom showrooms – was outlined by Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he announced details of his post-lockdown plan.

Under the new guidelines, parts of the country have been placed into high-risk or very high-risk tiers, stricter measures will be introduced within those tiers.

Previously government guidance, updated on 16 November required kitchen and bathroom showrooms in England to close.

Kbsa national chair Richard Hibbert had commented at the time “This is a change to the guidance which was issued on the 05 November. The new guidance provides a new list for retail stores which must close and this includes ‘showrooms open to the public for products used in homes, including bathrooms, kitchens and glazing’.

“It is regrettable that showrooms must close but it is welcome that the guidance is now very clear and we have a level playing field for all kitchen and bathroom retailers”.

“We have advised our members of this change and have also reassured them that we will continue our efforts to ensure that the level playing field is maintained.  We are aware that some showrooms such as Wren and Magnet are still open and are continuing our dialogue with BEIS and Trading Standards to address this and protect our member’s interests”.

“This change only applies to showrooms in England.  In Wales showrooms are currently open and in Scotland, where they have a five-tier system, showrooms in all tiers can also remain open”.

“Our support networks remain in place for members to discuss any issues and our HR and legal partners will continue their relevant updates and webinars to help members negotiate their way through this challenging period.”