The Trafford Centre has issued advice to shoppers planning on visit the mall when it reopens after England’s national lockdown on Wednesday.
The popular shopping centre is asking visitors to plan ahead of their visit next month.
With the festive season fast approaching, the Trafford Centre is expecting to see an influx of shoppers looking to get their hands on gifts for their loved ones and tick off their Christmas lists early, so is therefore urging visitors to consider visiting the centre during quieter periods, which are generally earlier in the day and later in the evening.
The quietest shopping times are expected to be posted weekly via the Trafford Centre’s social channels.
A number of essential stores have remained open throughout the duration of the second lockdown, along with several hospitality establishments to provide takeout services, but all retailers are due to reopen from 10am on Wednesday 2nd December.
Some larger stores, including Selfridges, Debenhams, John Lewis, Boots, Primark and M&S, will open an hour earlier at 9am.
Primark will trade from 7am on 2nd December until normal closing time on 3rd December too.
Speaking ahead of the centre reopening, Zoe Inman – Centre Director at The Trafford Centre – said: “It’s been an unusual year, but Christmas is still the highlight in our calendar, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back on Wednesday 2nd December.
“Since the start of this pandemic, we’ve had robust and adaptable plans to ensure the safety of everyone who visits and works at The Trafford Centre, and these strong safety measures will continue as non-essential retail opens again [but] we would recommend visitors spend a few minutes planning their visit to ensure they have the best experience possible.
“We know the Christmas season is going to be different this year, but we’d like to thank everyone in advance for doing their part.”
To help “make the centre a safe place for all”, the Trafford Centre asks that visitors remember to always follow marked routes and visit with their household / social bubble only.
Everyone that visits the centre, whether that’s to work or shop, will need to wear a face covering too.
The Trafford Centre defines a face covering as “something which safely covers the nose and mouth” and visitors can use reusable or single-use face coverings, as well as also use a scarf, bandana, religious garment or hand-made cloth covering, but these must all securely fit round the side of the face.
To ensure safe social distancing, the centre will be observing capacity limits and this means that customers may be asked to queue outdoors during busier periods and are advised to dress appropriately for the winter weather.
A number of car parks and entrances will also remain closed to help manage capacity.
Enhanced hygiene regimes will continue, with regular deep cleaning of key areas and touchpoints like escalators, toilets and keypads, and hand sanitation stands will also remain at entrances and throughout the centre.
The COVID-safety measures are hoped to “provide all visitors with additional reassurance” and further information can be found here.
Opening Times
You can find more information ahead of visit via the Trafford Centre website here.