Wren Kitchens Opens Showrooms On An Appointment-Only Basis

Wren Kitchens has reopened its kitchen showrooms on an appointment-only basis, advising that it is acting “in accordance with all Government guidelines and legislation”.

Wren's showrooms have been closed since the government ordered the closure of all non-essential retail in late March, but customers appear to have been welcomed back into stores since the 6th May.

The kitchen retailer has created a detailed video showing how the appointments work and the safety measures that have been put in place.

Many independent kitchen and bathroom retailers who have followed the government guidelines and temporarily closed their businesses have been angered by Wren's actions, and are uncertain if they could legally reopen without contravening legislation.  

Wren said it has "...sought legal advice from the company's solicitors and from leading counsel to confirm that the company is complying with the legislation."

In a statement, Wren said: 

 “Over the past few weeks, Wren Kitchens has worked extensively with different regulatory bodies including our Primary Authority, and other Local Authorities to ensure that we could re-open our stores in a manner that is accordance with all Government guidelines and legislation.

“This has required a significant investment in the infrastructure within our stores, including unique twin desk planning stations, customer induction areas and sanitiser stations throughout. Aside from the physical infrastructure, we have invested in new processes and procedures which guarantee social distancing and will create what we believe to be the safest environment in which to purchase a kitchen.

“The new measures are designed to be unobtrusive and once inside a showroom our customers will benefit from an exclusive atmosphere with the attention of a dedicated kitchen designer at all times.”

The following statement has been posted on the Wren kitchens website:

"Wren Kitchens, continuing to serve.

"The health and safety of our customers, our team and the wider community are of paramount importance to us. Whilst Wren Kitchens, along with other major kitchen suppliers has re-opened certain outlets, this is in accordance with the legislation and strict COVID-19 countermeasures are in place.

"All of our showrooms are accessible on an appointment only basis and as a result we are the only kitchen supplier who can guarantee that social distancing regulations can be enforced at all times. Our processes and procedures for re-opening have been reviewed by independent consultants and by the regulatory authorities and they are satisfied with the approach we have taken.

"We understand that some people may not see a kitchen as an essential item but please spare a thought for those that have nowhere to cook, nowhere to store food, no sink and no tap.

"Please remember we have customers who ordered their kitchens weeks ago, long before the current crisis erupted. No one knows how long this situation will go on, they cannot go out and have no access to restaurants and they are worried. We hope that you can understand why the team at Wren will not let them down.

"The comments we have received have been incredibly welcome as our team have also received criticism for delivering. We are sorry that we did not do more to explain earlier why we are continuing to deliver to our customers and would ask that even if you do not agree with us, you treat the team with respect."

Wren Kitchens has yet to respond to our requests for information or a comment regarding the openings.

Source : Insight DIY Team

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