PLANNING on going to Bunnings before 9am on a weekday?
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Think again, unless you're a tradie, health or emergency services worker.
The hardware chain today announced it would reserve its earliest weekday trading hours for trade customers, health and emergency services workers, starting from Monday.
Bunnings managing director Mike Schneider said health and emergency services were doing an incredible job, and the company wanted them to have an opportunity to access the products they needed.
"For tradies, it's about keeping their businesses running and getting the items they need to help with vital maintenance and repair projects," Mr Schneider said.
Stores would be open to all customers after 9am on weekdays.
Bunnings stores would also shut earlier, with 7pm announced as closing time from Monday - Friday.
The change was intended to give staff more time to re-stock shelves and do a thorough clean.
None of today's announcements would apply to weekend trade.
"We know our customers need access to products to maintain their homes and we want to stay open for our customers to make these items available, while also putting measures in place to keep them safe," Mr Schneider said.
He warned of possible delays in some of the company's busier stores during weekends, as staff did everything they could to ensure social distancing measures.
"This could be anything from less checkouts in operation, to limiting customer numbers in store, it will be different store to store depending on how busy they are and we'll do the best we can to get everyone in and out as quickly as possible," Mr Schneider said.
"We really appreciate just how understanding our customers have been and thank them sincerely for their support."
He said customers might already have noticed some changes in-store, as it sought to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus.
They included the suspension of sausage sizzles, family events and in-store and children's activities.
The company said it would continue to follow government advice regarding all its store operations, and would continue to make changes to keep its team and customers as safe as possible.
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