Ireland department stores Brown Thomas and Arnotts, owned by UK group Selfridges, are preparing for reopening, expected on 29 June following government's guidelines (smaller retail outlets will be allowed to open on 8 June in Ireland while larger stores will reopen at the end of June). Both retailers are starting implementing safety measures for the stores.

Customers will be able to book entry to the stores via an app. Walk-in shoppers will also be facilitated, via a queuing system if necessary as capacity will be reduced to between 33 and 40 per cent to facilitate social distancing.

Steaming of garments after handling by customers, technology to allow customers to virtually "try on" make-up, and the quarantining of purchases returned by customers are also among safety measures. Both stores' fitting rooms will be open but tightly controlled, with garments sanitised and quarantined after handling.

There will also be a free same-day home delivery service for customers who buy some larger items, to avoid  bringing them on to public transport and potentially into contact with the wider public.

The measures, which may be adapted to meet guidelines from public health authorities, were derived from the Selfridges group's experience of reopening its Holt Renfrew outlet in Canada and De Bijenkorf in the Netherlands.

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