All of the shops that are closing during winter lockdown including Argos and Next

ARGOS and Next are among the shops that must close during the winter lockdown in England – we round up the full list.

The retailers are considered non-essential businesses, meaning they'll have to shut alongside gyms, hairdressers and nail salons.

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a nationwide shutdown in an attempt to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Millions of businesses in Tier 4 areas had already closed, but shops and venues like gyms had been allowed to remain open in Tier 3 areas.

During the lockdown, shops will be allowed to offer click and collect and home delivery services.

Pubs and restaurants will still be allowed to operate takeaway and delivery services – but takeaway pints are banned.

List of businesses that must close

The government has confirmed the below list of businesses that must shut during the third national lockdown in England.

  • Non-essential retailers, such as clothing and homeware stores
  • Vehicle showrooms, other than for rental
  • Betting shops
  • Tailors
  • Tobacco and vape shops
  • Electronic goods and mobile phone shops
  • Auction houses, except for auctions of livestock and agricultural equipment
  • Market stalls selling non-essential goods
  • Bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants except for takeaway and delivery
  • Hotels, hostels, guest houses and campsites, except for specific circumstances
  • Leisure centres and gyms
  • Swimming pools, sports courts, fitness and dance studios, riding arenas at riding centres, climbing walls, and golf courses
  • Theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries
  • Casinos, amusement arcades, bingo halls, bowling alleys
  • Skating rinks, go-karting venues, indoor play and soft play centres and areas
  • Circuses, fairgrounds, funfairs, water parks and theme parks
  • Zoos, safari parks, and aquariums
  • Indoor attractions at venues such as botanical or other gardens, biomes or greenhouses
  • Hairdressers, barbers and nail salons
  • Tattoo and piercing shops
  • Beauty and tanning salons
  • Nightclubs and adult entertainment venues
  • Community centres and halls apart from a few exceptions

The nationwide shutdown is expected to last until at least mid-February.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also announced a full national lockdown, while Wales entered a country-wide shutdown on December 28.

And Northern Ireland went into a six-week lockdown from December 26.

So which retailers will be affected by the latest lockdown? Check out our round-up of the major shops below.

Argos

Standalone stores across England are closed during the third national lockdown.

Only standalone stores in Hornsey and Cambridge will stay open for collections.

But shoppers aren't allowed to enter the stores, with staff bringing the items to them outside.

Customers aren't able to buy any items in store either and returns need to be made at Argos shops inside Sainsbury's supermarkets.

These are also open for the collection of pre-paid online orders only.

The retailer offers a free click and collect service, or you can pay £3.95 for home delivery.

Currys PC World

Currys PC World stores are shut for browsing but you can order online and pick up from your nearest store.

If you arrive by car, a Currys staff member will simply put the item in your boot.

Alternatively, you can select the walk-up option instead.

Online shoppers can get both click and collect and standard delivery for free.

Debenhams

Debenhams stores have also been forced to shut for browsing, but you can still order online.

The retailer is offering up to 60% off online in a closing down sale before it disappears from the high street permanently.

If you order for home delivery, you'll get the items delivered to your doorstep for free as long as you spend more than £50.

If you spend less, you'll have to pay £3.49 for the trouble.

The retailer currently doesn't offer a click and collect service.

Disney

If you're keen to order some Disney items for the little ones or yourself, you'll have to shop online.

Just be aware that the retailer warns that "there may some disruption to your order" due to the pandemic.

Standard home delivery costs £3.95, while its click and collect option sets you back £2.95.

JD Sports

With stores shut, JD Sports shoppers can get their order delivered within five to seven working days for £3.99 if it costs less than £70 in total.

If you spend more than £70, you'll get the order delivered to your home for free.

The retailer has currently suspended its speedier delivery services as well as the click and collect option.

John Lewis

John Lewis stores remain shut for browsing, but you can click and collect from its stores – and it's free as long as you spend more than £30.

If you spend less, you'll have to pay £2 for the trouble.

Its home delivery service is also still running, which costs from £3.50 for orders below £50 or it's free if you spend more.

Shoppers can return any unwanted items up to 35 days after shops reopen following coronavirus restrictions.

Matalan

Matalan's stores remain shut for browsing but you can click and collect as usual for free, apart from in Northern Ireland.

Alternatively, you can order for standard home delivery for £3.95.

Just keep in mind deliveries may take up to ten days, unless if it's only sale items, which may delay the delivery for up to 21 days.

Next

In line with government restrictions, all Next stores in England, Scotland and Wales are only open for click and collect or returning online orders.

Stores in Northern Ireland remain fully closed.

But in good news for online shoppers, both Next's click and collect and standard home delivery service are free.

Primark

Primark shops are also shut and the retailer doesn't offer online shopping.

In other words, you'll have to wait until restrictions are eased before you can shop in a Primark store again.

Alternatively, shoppers can buy Primark items online at Asos and Amazon, but be aware you'll pay higher prices.

List of businesses that can stay open in lockdown

The government has published the below list of businesses that can stay open, which is largely similar to Tier 4.

  • Supermarkets
  • Pharmacies
  • Garden centres
  • Building merchants and suppliers of building products and off-licences
  • Market stalls selling essential retail
  • Businesses providing repair services but only if they primarily offer repair services
  • Petrol stations
  • Automatic (but not manual) car washes
  • Vehicle repair and MOT services
  • Bicycle shops
  • Taxi and vehicle hire businesses
  • Banks and building societies
  • Post offices
  • Short-term loan providers and money transfer businesses
  • Funeral directors
  • Laundrettes and dry cleaners
  • Medical and dental services
  • Vets and pet shops
  • Animal rescue centres, boarding facilities, and animal groomers
  • Agricultural supplies shops
  • Mobility and disability support shops
  • Storage and distribution facilities
  • Car parks
  • Public toilets
  • Motorway service areas
  • Outdoor playgrounds
  • Outdoor parts of botanical gardens and heritage sites for exercise
  • Places of worship
  • Crematoriums and burial grounds

Smyths Toys

While Smyths Toys stores are shut, the retailer is offering click and collect and home delivery services.

Click and collect is free, while standard shipping costs £4.99 for orders under £10 and £2.99 for orders between £10 and £19.

If you spend more than £19, you'll get it delivered for free.

Sports Direct

Sports fans can buy items from Sports Direct for home delivery and click and collect services.

Click and collect at the retailer costs £4.99, but you also get a £5 voucher if you spend more than £100 in one go.

While standard delivery to your doorstep sets you back the same £4.99, but you don't get the voucher.

The Entertainer

The Entertainer's stores are shut for both browsing and click and collect, but you get the items delivered to your home.

Standard delivery costs £3.99 for orders under £39.99, or you'll get it delivered for free if you spend more than this.

Alternatively, express delivery sets you back £5.99.

TK Maxx

TK Maxx's stores are closed for browsing, and click and collect is not available in all stores either.

If available, the click and collect option costs £1.99, or it's free if you spend over £50.

Meanwhile, standard home delivery sets you back £3.99 for any orders below £75. If you spend more, it's free.

Due to the closures, the retailer has extended its returns period for 30 days from the date its stores reopen.

Topshop

Last but not least, Topshop's stores are also closed and its click and collect service isn't available either.

Instead, you can get free standard delivery for £2.99 or it's free on orders over £30.

Alternatively, you can get express delivery which costs £6 or £4 to a Hermes parcel shop.

Delivery is free for Topshop Premier customers, which costs £9.95 per year.

We explain which businesses can stay open in the third national lockdown.

Meanwhile, all non-essential shops, hair dressers and nail salons will close during the shutdown.

Keen to do some DIY? Check out the rules and advice for major retailers including B&Q, Homebase, Screwfix and Wickes.

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