Greggs to open 800 shops for takeaway this week

Greggs has announced it plans to reopen around 800 stores to customers for takeaways from June 18.

The Newcastle based bakery aims to welcome customers to the remaining 1,000 sites by early July.

Bosses unveiled the new-look stores, with floor markings, protective clothes for staff and screens at counters among several measures to protect against coronavirus spreading.

There will also be a reduced menu to ensure social distancing in kitchens and workspaces.

Greggs warned sales are likely to remain subdued as the chain copes with fewer customers allowed in stores at any one time, following a series of small-scale trials near its offices.

As a result of the expected fall in sales, an unspecified proportion of staff "will remain furloughed until sales levels begin returning to normal", the company said.

Greggs has taken a tentative approach to reopening, with management keen to avoid any rushes or overcrowding at sites following its three-month closure.

Rivals KFC and McDonald's have seen long car queues for drive-thru services and non-essential retailers were greeted with hundreds of shoppers waiting to snap up a bargain, as stores were able to reopen their doors on Monday.

Greggs had been allowed to stay open throughout the lockdown, offering takeaway and delivery services.

But bosses declined, saying it felt remaining open would compromise the safety of its employees.

Updating the stock market on Tuesday morning, the company added it remains cautious and warned sales may fall.

Longer term, the company added it has temporarily suspended its new shop opening plans, beyond those legally committed to, with just 10 new sites expected.

Greggs has also spoken to landlords with a "variety of proposals in return forrent reductions" and will switch to monthly payments from June, following a full quarterly rent payment in March.