Marks & Spencer to start reopening cafes

M&S said after introducing social distancing and additional hygiene measures in stores during the coronavirus outbreak, it felt it could now reopen the cafes. The cafes reopening are nationwide, including those in Bluewater, Brent Cross, Hedge End, Braehead and Belfast.

All the cafes opening, some of which are branded Marketplace or Coffee to Go, are next to food halls and the rollout follows a pilot in five branches.

The retailer said staff have been given “rigorous guidance” to ensure their and customers’ health and safety.

The cafes include Perspex screens similar to those installed by many retailers at checkouts, signage and floor markings reminding customers to social distance. Contactless payment is encouraged and collection is contactless.

Staff will wash their hands every 30 minutes and straightaway after handling cash. Only one employee will staff the café at a time, so it may take longer than usual to serve customers.

In-store cafes provide significant income for retailers and their closure during the pandemic has affected performance.

Morrisons, for instance, said in this week’s first-quarter update that “the temporary closure of our significant cafe business”, along with lower fuel sales, was impacting profits.