Major Merchants Shut Up Shop due to the Coronavirus

SEVERAL MAJOR BUILDERS’ merchants have shut up shop following the UK Government’s decision to impose further measures to stop the spread of Covid-19, the coronavirus.

Buildbase, Jewson and Travis Perkins have all closed stores as of 24 March, as have Huws Gray, Ridgeons and MKM Building Supplies, with the latter pledging to honour any pre-arranged deliveries and collections.

Several roofing specific suppliers have also shut, including Watts Roofing, Elland Roofing Supplies and NW Roofing Supplies.

A statement from Travis Perkins read: “The COVID-19 situation continues to develop rapidly, and in the light of the new Government guidance announced by our Prime Minister, and in order to protect the wellbeing of our people and our customers, we have decided to close all businesses within the Travis Perkins plc Group with immediate effect.

“We will review the Government guidance as it emerges so we can seek to fulfil the essential services we provide to our customers within the new restrictions.

“Travis Perkins has always been guided by its values. We have not taken this decision lightly but the safety of our people, our customers and the communities in which we serve will forever remain our number one priority.”

A number of other specialist merchants, including Elland Roofing Supplies have taken the decision to close as well, with many seeking clarity from the Government on their status, as while they may not fit into the essential suppliers category alongside food, medicine and transport, construction sites continue to operate.

Merchants still open

Several merchants have taken the decision to continue to operate as things stand, with cmostores.com and SIG Roofing among those still operating.

Some companies which had been open, such as Southern Sheeting, have subsequently shut down or planned to close to orders for delivery and collection but are still operating quotation and enquiry services remotely.