HALFORDS in Christchurch has reopened using an operation called “retail lite”.

The operation means only a certain number of customers will be allowed in the store at anyone time, queue marshalling will be in place outside, staff will be given visors and “sneeze screens” and customers will be asked not to handle any products.

Graham Stapleton, Halfords CEO said: “With lockdown restrictions lifting many of us are starting to think about returning to work and what our commutes will begin to look like and we’ve seen a big surge in demand for e-bikes and e-scooters.

“More members of the public are turning to e-bikes to help them commute to work as an affordable alternative to public transport or driving.

“With our roads becoming slightly busier we are also anticipating a similar level of demand for our motoring products and services in the coming days, as people begin to use vehicles again that in some cases will have been off the road for many weeks.

“The expansion of our new Retail Lite model will assist us in meeting this increased demand, which in turn will allow us to continue helping to keep the UK moving.”