RETAIL chain JYSK has announced plans to reopen its Blackburn store from next bank holiday Monday.

The branch on Lower Audley Street, along with eight others nationwide, will be available for both in store customers and collections, with the rest of the companies UK stores following suit from the following Wednesday.

Managers have moved to reassure customers that measures will be in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus following the reopening.

JYSK Country Manager David Ashton said: “Whilst our store teams were already working in the background to prepare our stores for a successful and compliant reopening, we re-introduced our Click & Collect services and quickly hit the first 1,000 orders across the UK – with unprecedented demand.

“It is vital as a retailer and employer that we ensure our teams and customers feel they can trust us [JYSK] to still be able provide a great shopping experience whilst looking after their best interests, because all the signs show us that our customers are missing JYSK.

“We will be opening in a phased approach because it allows for successful execution – and to put it simply, get it right for our employees and customers.”

The move comes as the retail sector face unprecedented difficulties as the lockdown situation limits shoppers’ movements and puts pressure on supply chains.

Mr Ashton said: “It has been a challenging time for all retailers in the UK and across the world, so we really look forward to welcoming back regular, and new customers over the coming days, weeks and months.

“So I say, Welcome Back to JYSK, even if it is from a little further away than before.”

The news comes as the company unveils a fresh a fresh three-year sponsorship deal with Paralympian champion and SAS Who Dares Wins competitor Lauren Steadman.

Mr Ashton said: “Lauren is an inspiration; she has a great work ethic and is incredibly resilient in the face of any challenge.”

He added: “It is a privilege to support her through the next three years of her career.”