COVID-19: Hancocks to close depots

Specialist confectionery cash and carry Hancocks has decided to temporarily close all of its depots from 29 March.

The wholesaler said it has taken the “difficult decision” considering the safety of colleagues, customers and suppliers in light of the worsening coronavirus situation.

“As a nation we have to fight COVID-19 together and responding to the advice of the government to restrict social contact and activity, we have decided this is the best way for us to do our part to support the UK through this,” it said in a statement.

All the 19 depots will close, but the firm said it will support the customers to get stocked up before Sunday. It requested customers to keep social distancing in the depot, and use its click and collect service.

Hancocks said its online operations will continue, delivering products to customers. The firm has lowered the minimum spend to £35 and free delivery threshold to £250 for online orders.