A London decorating and hardware merchant will extend its opening hours from next week after reporting a surge in demand for products from professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts during lockdown.

Leyland SDM, which has 23 branches across the capital, will open from 7am-5pm, Monday to Friday, 7.30am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-3pm on Sundays. The new opening hours will come into force on Monday, June 1.

National statistics show that more than 60 per cent of people have started a DIY project during lockdown *.

Strict social distancing guidelines have been introduced by Leyland SDM to ensure branches can operate safely, while the contact-free delivery service has also proved popular. 

A handful of branches have closed for a period during lockdown - but only the Goodge Street shop remains shut now.

Jonathan Jennings, chief executive of Leyland SDM, said: “One of the big reported consequences of the lockdown is that people have been embarking on DIY projects which they may have previously been putting off, and we certainly have seen evidence of that.

“We have seen strong demand for products, tools and materials, both from professional tradespeople and the general public.

“It has been a very challenging period for the entire country but, thanks to the patience and understanding of our customers and professionalism of our teams across the branch network , we have been able to continue trading in a safe manner which has enabled us to adhere to the social distancing guidelines outlined by the government.

“We are now in a position to extend our opening hours at both ends of the day and re-introduce Sunday opening across all branches, helping our trade customers carrying out essential repairs and maintenance and people doing jobs in their own home.”

Leyland SDM offers more than 22,000 products with its branches located on prominent high streets across London, including Chelsea, Kensington, Shaftesbury Avenue and Victoria.

 For more information, visit www.leylandsdm.co.uk

* https://www.kantarworldpanel.com/global/News/Covid-19-Half-of-lockdown-Brits-embrace-DIY