National kitchen chain Magnet has confirmed to kbbreview that it has closed all its English retail showrooms in line with the new government guidance.
However, its Magnet Trade counters will remain open as they are classed as essential building supplies and, as with most other retailers, it will also continue to deliver and fit kitchens.
A spokesperson from Magnet said: “We made the decision to close our retail showrooms in England this week following updated government advice. Our trade counters are still open to ensure that our trade customers can still access the products to keep their businesses running. We can also still deliver and fit customer kitchens, so all orders are on track to be delivered and fitted when it was agreed.”
Magnet also confirmed that it has been planning for a second lockdown since the first one ended.
“Since we came out of the first national lockdown in the summer, we have put into place a number of practices to ensure that we could react if we were placed into a second lockdown,” it said. “The health and safety of our customers and store teams is our number one priority and we are constantly making necessary changes to the way we operate to ensure we have a safe environment during this difficult time.”
Magnet has also shifted to a full virtual design service, making it front and centre of its website.
“If anyone is looking for inspiration for their new kitchen after months of looking at the same units in lockdown, customers can use our virtual design service where design appointments can be done from the safety of their homes. We have also launched a sample service in 2020 as well, so nobody will miss out on the opportunity to touch and feel the kitchen units before they decide which to go for.
“Our trade showrooms are open for our trade customers as normal and we have a call and collect service too.”
Listen to KBSA chairman Richard Hibbert discuss the shock order to close in this special episode of The kbbreview Podcast. Listen using the player below or search ‘kbbreview’ in your podcast app of choice.