The head of retail giant Wesfarmers says Bunnings will continue to restrict customer numbers and conduct deep cleans for some time, despite the measures costing millions.
"We'll take government advice on that, but I suspect they'll be in place for some time."
Mr Scott's warning comes as the $47 billion retailer's Bunnings and Officeworks chains recorded bumper sales over the past five months, with both chains boasting double-digit growth as Australians loaded up on computer monitors and power drills during the coronavirus lockdown. Both Bunnings and Officeworks were direct beneficiaries of the coronavirus lockdown, as customers decked out their home offices and started new home projects during the two-month shutdown.
Mr Scott said there had been fresh costs incurred across all of Wesfarmers' businesses, which include Kmart, Target and an industrials and workwear division. However, the scale of required changes at Bunnings meant the costs were higher for the chain.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How seed savers are supporting communities across Australia during the COVID-19 pandemicWhen COVID-19 panic-buying caused a national run on commercial seedlings, a movement of backyard 'seed savers' sprang into action to help fill the gap — and some are now looking to establish greater stocks, in case they're needed again.
Read more »
New Zealand to lift all domestic COVID-19 restrictions from midnightAll coronavirus measures in New Zealand will be lifted from Tuesday except border closure restrictions as the virus is eliminated from the country, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says.
Read more »
Aussie economy and miners to profit from Brazil's COVID-19 outbreakA Brazilian court has ordered mining giant Vale to close three of its mine sites after 188 workers were infected with coronavirus, a decision which is likely to benefit Australia's economy and its iron ore miners.
Read more »
Border 'hypocrisy' criticised as more Bundaberg COVID-19 tests return negativeAn MP is criticising Queensland's border closure saying people are being prevented from travelling to interstate funerals, but a farm worker, who tested positive for COVID-19 after flying from Melbourne, entered the state without needing to quarantine.
Read more »
Data shows Melbourne suburbs worst hit by COVID-19 financial impactA new index reveals Elwood as the greater Melbourne postcode worst affected by the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read more »
Abbotsford Convent in crisis talks with tenants as COVID-19 effects biteAustralia's largest multi-arts space faces more ructions over its future direction, as tenants say an inflexible board and the pressures of COVID-19 are forcing them out.
Read more »