John Lewis has introduced a raft of social distancing and safety measures in stores including “customer service hosts” to welcome customers and manage queue numbers, prominent signage and protective screens at checkouts and service desks.

The retailer has also limited other customer services such as beauty consultancies and closed fitting rooms for the foreseeable future.

John Lewis said there had been a positive response from customers returning on June 15, when top-selling categories included homewares, electrics, children’s clothing and haberdashery.