Primark stores set to open from 7am as restrictions ease

A number of Primark stores across Scotland are set to open from 7am on Monday as coronavirus restrictions are eased.

The retail chain has announced earlier opening times for most stores following months of closures due to the pandemic.

Stores at Braehead Shopping Centre, Glasgow’s Argyle Street, East Kilbride, Dundee and Motherwell will open from 7am, with other units set to open from 7.30am, 8am and 8.30am across the country.

The company said that by opening stores earlier, queues will be reduced and customers will be given more time to be able to shop safely.

Primark CEO, Paul Marchant, said: “We saw a great response to our reopening by our customers in England and Wales last week, and we know our customers in Scotland will love our new Spring/Summer offering too.

“Safety remains at the front of our minds. We have extended opening hours across almost all of our stores in Scotland to help meet demand safely but we’re also asking our customers to keep up the support and spirit they showed last year, particularly if queuing outside or in-store.”

Restrictions on non-essential stores are due to be relaxed from Monday, as the number of cases of coronavirus continue to fall.

Braehead Shopping Centre said some of its stores would open from 8am, including Marks and Spencer, New Look, Mac Cosmetics and Next.

Braehead centre director, Peter Beagley said: “We have a raft of measures in place to make sure everyone is protected from the Covid virus.

“They include social distancing, insisting people wear a mask unless they have dispensation, floor stickers and signage showing a one-way system for getting around the centre, enhanced cleaning regimes and free hand sanitisers throughout the centre.

Gyms, pubs and restaurants will also be able to open from Monday under the new guidance, which was confirmed by the First Minister during Tuesday’s coronavirus briefing.