Kbsa welcomes “level playing field” for retailers

Trade association pursued Trading Standard to clarify positions of national retailers

23 Nov, 20

Trade association the Kbsa has welcomed the news Wren and Magnet have both closed their stores during lockdown, in accordance with the latest Government guidelines.

National chair of the Kbsa Richard Hibbert said: “We’ve been relentless in our pursuit of Trading Standards to clarify the position of Wren and Magnet, since the guidelines were changed on Monday [November 16, 2020], with kitchen and bathroom showrooms being included in a list of retail stores required to close.”

He continued: “It was disadvantageous to our members and all independent showrooms that Wren and Magnet had chosen to keep their showrooms open, despite clear guidance that they should close.

Sponsored Video

“We understand from our discussions with Trading Standards that the Primary Authority responsible for Wren, nationally, has withdrawn their previous advice that Wren could stay open.”

Richard Hibbert welcomed the move as a “level playing field”, as he explained: “The current lockdown is challenging for all retailers, as an association we do not wish to see any business in difficulty but we must protect our members’ interests, and have worked hard to ensure that level playing field is maintaned in terms of closures.”

He concluded: “The remaining weeks of the year will no doubt present new challenges for independent retailers.

“Our support networks remain in place for members to discuss any issues and our HR and legal partners will continue thier relevant updates and webinars to help members negotiate their way through this lockdown and beyond.”