Tesco closes off popular ‘non-essential’ section of store during second lockdown

Supermarket giant Tesco has closed some of its clothing departments at its stores in the new national lockdown.
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Responding to claims that it had shut all its clothing sections, the firm has said that the ruling applies to stores where clothes are sold on a separate floor.

In a statement, Tesco said: “In line with new Government guidance in England, which requires the closure of separate floors selling non-food items, we have closed the clothing and general merchandise departments in our stores that sell these products from a separate mezzanine level.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Tesco has closed some of its clothing departments.Tesco has closed some of its clothing departments.
Tesco has closed some of its clothing departments.
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“If there's something in particular that you really need from the mezzanine level, though, please just speak to one of our in-store colleagues and they’ll be happy to help you.

The country entered its second and month-long lockdown last Thursday, but it wasn’t until the following day that the government issued further guidance on which retailers in England are considered essential and what they are permitted to sell.

Sainsbury’s and Marks and Spencer have also closed departments.

The updated guidance stipulates that shops in England that have “sufficiently distinct parts” should close the areas selling non-essential items.

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For example, grocery retailers can sell “non-essential” homeware if it is stocked on its aisles, but if the goods are on a separate floor, it must close off the area.

However, the guidance adds shops are not required to cordon off particular aisles, which it what sparked the recent controversy in Wales when it went into a 17-day “firebreak” lockdown last month.

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