How the Trafford Centre will change to keep shoppers safe during the pandemic

intu Trafford Centre has released more information about its new safety measures ahead of the reopening of non-essential retail stores on 15 June.

Detailed plans have been put in place for each of intu’s 14 shopping destinations to make them COVID-secure – with many shops and businesses preparing to welcome back customers for the first time since March.

According to intu, enhanced hygiene regimes at the Trafford Centre will continue (with deep cleaning of key areas and touchpoints like escalators, toilets and keypads), whilst hand sanitation stands will be available at entrances and various other locations inside.

The shopping venue has also adapted its footfall-monitoring technology so that the numbers of people inside can be monitored and managed at any time.

Queues will be formed outside when capacity is reached – with one-way systems and floor stickers guiding guests and ensuring social distancing.

Research released by intu last week shows that over 70% of regular shopping centre visitors would actively encourage compulsory hand sanitation, protective screens at tills, limitations on the numbers able to enter stores at any one time, and 2m distance markers.

Stats also revealed that 60% were in favour of in-store security/CCTV and cashless stores, whilst the same number said they would be content with an average wait time of 10 mins for store entry to ensure safety.

Matthew Roberts, Chief Executive of intu, said: “Our centres have and will always be at the heart of their local communities. intu supports around 3 per cent of all retail jobs in the UK and our centres are home to some of the biggest and best brands, so we are doing everything we can to make them safe places to visit and work.”

He continued: “We know we cannot do this alone and everyone who visits our centres whether for work or to shop will play their part in keeping themselves and each other safe by following the official guidelines, and the instructions and safety information provided by our teams.

“Whilst the experience for everyone that visits intu Trafford Centre will be different to normal, our teams will be on hand to deliver that warm welcome our centres have become known for.”

Primark, Selfridges and Zara are among stores to be reopening at intu Trafford Centre from Monday 15 June, with Topshop, River Island and M&S also set to resume trading next week.

More information can be found online.