JOHN Lewis has confirmed that its Chester store will reopen from Monday, July 13.

The Greyhound Retail Park branch is one of ten across the UK which are reopening next week having temporarily closed due to the coronavorus pandemic.

Last month 22 John Lewis stores began operating again with the latest phased openings – which includes the Trafford Centre branch – taking the total to 32.

As part of the company's in-store coronavirus safety measures, beauty services will not be offered and fitting rooms will remain closed.

It confirmed that some third party catering outlets will be open but its own 'Place to Eat' and cafes will not reopen until a later date.

Bérangère Michel, executive director for customer service at the John Lewis Partnership, said: "I am really pleased to announce more shop openings in the next couple of weeks, and in particular our first to reopen in Wales and Scotland.

"We continue to stick to our safe, not fast approach. We are learning as we go and tweaking our approach to give our customers and Partners the best possible experience.

"Feedback from customers is that they really enjoy being able to test and try out products such as tablets, mattresses and shoes, all in a safe environment, as well as asking our expert Partners for advice."

Social distancing measures in place at John Lewis stores include:

• 'Customer Service Hosts' assigned to welcome customers, answer any questions and manage numbers and queues both at entrances and busy areas of the shop.

• Reduction in the number of shop entrances and exits.

• Caps on the number of customers entering stores.

• Prominent social distancing signage.

• Protective screens at checkouts and areas of the shop where social distancing cannot be achieved between customers and partners such as ‘welcome desks’.

• Procedures for escalators and lifts limiting the number of users.

• Rigorous and frequent cleaning.

• Provision of hand sanitiser for customers to use at all entrances and throughout shops.

• Social distancing in back of house areas.

• Contactless payment limit of £45

• Safe and simple returns process including new drop boxes and quarantining returned stock for 48 hours.