Argos stores in Milton Keynes will reopen from Monday

Argos will be reopening 145 stores across the country from Monday, June 15, as lockdown eases and non-essential retailers are allowed to open.

In March, Argos closed all standalone stores and traded as an online-only retailer.

The retailer is planning a phased reopening of shops and will have 145 standalone Argos stores open on Monday.

The first phase has been chosen based on where customers can not currently easily access an Argos store in a Sainsbury’s supermarket.

More details on which Argos stores will be opening will be available on the store locater on the company's website.

Customers will see some changes when they visit stores as they will be introducing social distancing while queuing and all stores will continue to work on a click and collect basis.

In a statement, chief executive Simon Roberts, said: "Safety is our absolute priority and our colleagues have been working hard to get everything ready and to make sure you can shop with us safely.

"All Argos stores will continue to work on a click and collect basis for the time being.

"We hope to reintroduce shopping in stores in the coming weeks, but until then you will need to order your items before you arrive at the store.

"There might be a queue to get into the store as we will be limiting the number of customers allowed in store at any one time.

"Our colleagues will be on hand to make sure we have a safe number of people inside the store and to help with social distancing while queuing.

"All stores will have perspex safety screens at the tills and our colleagues will be following social distancing guidelines at all times, including when they collect items from the warehouse and bring them to the collection counter.

"This might mean it takes them a little longer than usual to serve you – please bear with them, they are doing everything they can to help you in these exceptional circumstances.

"I appreciate some of these changes may be inconvenient for you and you might be disappointed if your local Argos store is not ready to reopen on Monday 15th June.

"I am sorry for this but please know that our colleagues are doing everything they can to get the right measures in place to ensure everyone stays safe and can shop with us in the ways they want to. I

"know life is going to be different for all of us for some time but we are committed to adapting and changing our business to make sure we are serving you as best we can."