Pre-booked time slots introduced in Brown Thomas ahead of Cork reopening

On Patrick Street, Brown Thomas remains closed but the company has announced the reopening dates of its retail outlets.

Brown Thomas on Dublin's Grafton Street and Arnotts on Henry Street will reopen on Wednesday, June 10 whilst Cork, Limerick and Galway will fully reopen on Thursday, June 11.

The stores will open from 10:30am to 6pm.

In order to ensure a safe shopping experience, the retailer has outlined a series of new measures.

Customers can now pre-book visits to the stores via the Brown Thomas website, with walk-in customers facilitated via a queuing system if necessary.  

'Virtual queueing' will also be in place, whereby customers can join a queue virtually and receive a text message when they are at the top of the virtual queue and can enter the store.

A reduced number of people will be allowed into the store at any given time to ensure social distancing is being complied with. 

Lift facilities will be limited to one person at a time and Brown Thomas has stated that they will encourage social distancing on escalators.

Sanitisers will be provided for customers' safety and hygiene and there will be increased cleansing and sanitisation of the stores.

At the fitting room, tried on items of clothing will be steamed and sanitised prior to returning to the shop floor and returned merchandise will be quarantined for 24 hours.

There will be larger beauty consultation areas and a "no touch" policy will be in place on beauty products.

However, customers will be able to virtually "try on" makeup as Brown Thomas will have digital screens to allow customers to virtually assess how makeup appears on their skin.

"We are looking forward to welcoming our customers back to our beautiful stores where they will be able to shop our entire offer in a safe and inspiring way," Donald McDonald, Managing Director of Brown Thomas Arnotts said.

"Customers will experience some differences in how things are done as we ensure the highest safety and hygiene standards are adhered to, but we are confident that our customers will enjoy the new innovations that we have introduced, which will make their shopping experience as seamless and enjoyable as ever," he continued.