Covid-19 coronavirus Delta outbreak: Lockdown DIY keeps Whanganui stores pumping

(From left) Whanganui Mitre 10 Mega staff Marty Lightband, Damien Kiddie and Paula Fore have orders ready for customers. Photo / supplied

Whanganui people who used the level 4 lockdown to embark on household projects have swamped stores with their orders since level 3 began.

"Just the first couple of days post-lockdown things were really, really busy. We had phone calls and truckloads of stuff going out all day," Sort It Out Landscape supplies manager Dennis Haxton said.

Paint has been especially popular at Whanganui's Mitre 10 Mega, managing director Hayden Gibson said.

Power tools and building supplies are also rushing out the doors, while the spring weather has led to requests for lawn mowers, barbecues and garden products.

It's a repeat of the situation after last year's longer level 4 lockdown, with the difference being that people are much more aware of how to buy online.

"It's almost the new normal," Gibson said.

Customers realise they may have to wait, and Gibson said most in Whanganui are pretty relaxed about it.

All the stores have set up systems for contactless selling. At Mitre 10, people can order online or by phone. They can also get a personal shopper to select items in-store.

Goods can be picked up at pre-arranged times, with 20 slots every half-hour, or they can get them delivered.

"Whanganui should have the best-looking gardens, fences and paint jobs in the country," Gibson quipped.

At Bunnings there's a click-and-collect system, with orders online or by email. The goods are picked up outside the store or delivered by one of two trucks. Fencing has been especially sought after, staff member Deb Anderson said.

Sort It Out Landscaping Supplies has set up a drive-through. Customers sign in and wait in their car while staff load them up. A truck will also do deliveries.

Topsoil, compost and mulch have been especially popular. It's spring and a lot of people are setting up new vege gardens, Haxton said.