Audio T, Richer Sounds, Sevenoaks to reopen shops from Monday 15th June

Richer Sounds, Sevenoaks to reopen shops from Monday 15th June
(Image credit: Sevenoaks)

The UK's high streets are set to slowly emerge from lockdown next week and that includes some of the largest hi-fi and home cinema retailers. Audio T, Richer Sounds and Sevenoaks Sound & Vision will be reopening stores from Monday, but it's clear that, at least for the immediate future, things won't be quite how we remembered.

Richer Sounds plans to open 17 of its 53 stores on Monday, but strictly by appointment and with a limit to the number of people allowed in store at any one time. The stores will be cleaned after each appointment, face masks are encouraged, and there will be social distancing measures in place. You can check the Richer Sounds Store Finder for details on your local shop.

Sevenoaks Sound & Vision has also said its stores will open from Monday and they'll be following UK government guidelines with regards to hygiene, store cleanliness and social distancing. The company's click and collect service will also be reactivated on Monday. You can find details for your local store on the Sevenoaks website.

Audio T has also said its stores in England will be reopening from Tuesday 16th June. It will be a "visit by appointment" system to limit the number of people in-store at any one time, plus there will be perspex screens, frequent cleaning, and t safety visors, masks and gloves.

Loud & Clear, a specialist hi-fi retailer in Scotland, has shared the work that has gone in to ensuring they can reopen safely. "Upon arrival at Loud & Clear, visitors will be greeted at the reception desk where they will be asked to use the hand sanitising equipment before being provided with a complimentary mask and gloves. Inside the store, floor markings clearly indicate the separate areas for customers and staff to guarantee safe distancing." There's even a covered space to wait outside.

New measures are in place at Loud & Clear in Edinburgh, Scotland

New measures are in place at Loud & Clear in Edinburgh, Scotland (Image credit: Loud & Clear)

Of course all these retailers, and plenty of others, have been operating online - and continue to do so - should you prefer to shop from the comfort of your own home. 

As well as retailers, we're also hopeful that many products that had faced delays or were held back from launching over recent weeks, will now see the light of day - leaving plenty of time for them to pass through our test rooms ahead of the 2020 What Hi-Fi? Awards. While there are of course always more important things, some home entertainment distraction is always welcome, we're sure you'll agree.

Joe Cox
Content Director

Joe is the Content Director for What Hi-Fi? and Future’s Product Testing, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for almost 20 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff, and the Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).

  • jjbomber
    I think this is the way forward for Hi-Fi shops, having appoinments only. No more tyre kickers walking in just because they are bored, or they're waiting for their wife to finish the shopping. Make it appointment only for serious purchasers only. It will be interesting to see how many of these appointments result in sales, but quite high I would imagine.
    Reply
  • djh1697
    Cymbiosis, arguable the worlds premier Linn / Naim / Rega dealer is also open from Monday. strictly by appointment though!
    Reply
  • nopiano
    I’d see Richer Sounds as suiting the casual as well the prebooked appointment. TVs are an easy sell to a quick glance, as John Lewis can doubtless testify.
    Cymbiosis and other destination dealers like Hi-Fi Lounge, Oxford Audio Consultants, KJ WestOne, Stone Audio et al are better when pre-planned ime.
    I definitely wish them all well!
    Reply