Non-essential retailers have reopened across England - and stores including Next, Debenhams, TkMaxx and Primark have issued a new update for shoppers.

While coronavirus restrictions have eased, Government guidelines state that it remains compulsory to wear a face covering in many indoor settings, such as shops and places of worship, and on public transport, unless you are exempt or have a reasonable excuse.

Here's what reopened on Monday, April 12:

  • Non-essential retail.
  • Personal care services such as hairdressers and nail salons reopened, including those provided from a mobile setting.
  • Public buildings such as libraries and community centres.
  • Outdoor hospitality venues can reopen, with table service only.
  • Most outdoor attractions including zoos, theme parks, and drive-in performances (such as cinemas and concerts) can reopen.
  • Some smaller outdoor events such as fetes, literary fairs, and fairgrounds.
  • Indoor leisure and sports facilities reopened for individual exercise, or exercise with your household or support bubble.
  • All childcare and supervised activities are allowed indoors (as well as outdoors) for all children. Parent and child groups can take place indoors (as well as outdoors) for up to 15 people (children under 5 will not be counted in this number).

These are the other changes from April 12:

  • Weddings, civil partnership ceremonies, wakes and other commemorative events can take place for up to 15 people (anyone working is not included in this limit), including in indoor venues that are permitted to open or where an exemption applies. Wedding receptions can also take place for up to 15 people, but must take place outdoors, not including private gardens.
  • Self-contained accommodation can stay open for overnight stays in England with your household or support bubble.
  • Care home residents will be able to nominate two named individuals for regular indoor visits (following a rapid lateral flow test).
  • You should continue to work from home if you can and minimise the amount that you travel where possible.

We've rounded-up the latest updates from some of the biggest fashion chains for shoppers across England.

Primark

In a statement online, Primark said: "We are limiting the number of customers into stores at any one time, in line with government guidelines.

"We have dedicated employees who are responsible for managing queues at tills, our store entrances, and also monitoring the sales floor to ensure social distancing measures are being followed.

"We ask that all customers adhere to the social distancing measures in place while shopping."

TkMaxx

In an update to shoppers, the chain said: "We’ve reopened some of our stores again and can’t wait to welcome you back.

"Click and Collect is temporarily unavailable in all stores. Standard Delivery and Next Day Delivery remain available.

"If you had any items to return while our stores were closed, you’ll be pleased to know we have extended our returns period for 30 days from the date our stores re-opened.

"If you have a Click & Collect order waiting in store, we’ll keep hold of your order for up to 14 days from the date our stores re-opened. Alternatively, you can contact our Customer Services Team to request a refund.

"We’re extending the opening hours in some of our stores."

The chain added that they have focused on three key safety areas in line with the latest government guidelines, they are:

  • Supporting personal protection practices for staff members
  • Implementing clear social distancing measures
  • Enhanced cleaning of stores and online facilities

Debenhams

The department store chain, which is holding a closing down sale before disappearing from the high street altogether in May, said: "Following the latest government guidance, we are re-opening our stores in England and Wales on 12th April.

"Stores in Northern Ireland will open later in line with government guidance.

"For a small number of stores, we’ve taken the difficult decision to permanently close."

Next

In an update on their website, Next said: "In line with the latest guidance, from Monday 12th April, the majority of our shops in England and Wales are fully open. 

"Selected shops in Scotland are also open for homeware purchases only."

While restrictions have eased, the Government has issued a reminder that it remains illegal to meet anyone from outside their household or bubble indoors.

The rule means people could be fined if they go shopping with people from outside their household or bubble.

According to the official guidance by the Government: "You must not meet indoors with anybody you do not live with, unless you have formed a support bubble with them (if you are eligible), or another legal exemption applies."

These are the places where people can meet in groups of six outdoors:

  • Allotments
  • Outdoor Attractions
  • Outdoor Hospitality Venues
  • Outdoor Sculpture Parks
  • Outdoor Sports Venues and Facilities
  • Parks, Beaches, Countryside Accessible to the Public, Forests
  • Public and Botanical Gardens
  • Public Playgrounds
  • The Grounds of a Heritage Site