Dozens of shoppers were seen queuing outside Bunnings stores in Sydney on Saturday, with car parks overflowing onto streets, as residents made a last-ditch attempt to buy DIY goods before the hardware chain closes to the public.
Images from Rockdale and Artarmon showed long lines of people waiting to enter, despite Bunnings announcing last week that only tradespeople would be allowed inside. The retailer said it would close all Greater Sydney stores from Monday to reduce movement between local government areas (LGAs).
Bunnings managing director Mike Schneider said the move was 'in support of the government and for the safety and security of team members, customers and the community'. The closure applies to 12 LGAs of concern in Sydney's west and south-west, but Bunnings extended it city-wide.
Saturday's scenes suggest the mandate had not yet taken effect, with packed car parks and queues snaking outside outlets. Bunnings has been deemed essential throughout Sydney's nine-week lockdown, but critics have labelled the continued opening a 'mockdown'.
A Bunnings spokesperson said the company was using a 'count me in' app to cap customer numbers and ensure physical distancing, adding that 'customers at a few of our stores have had to wait for a short time before entering'. The spokesperson thanked customers for following COVID-safe guidelines.
