Dolphin Shopping Centre reopened its doors to non-essential retailers on Monday 15 June following the Government-directed lockdown due to the coronavirus crisis.
The first week of post-lockdown trading has seen 33 non-essential retailers reopening and welcomed a steady number of visitors to the centre.
Prior to reopening, the centre invested heavily in a range of new health and safety measures. Contactless hand sanitiser stations have been positioned throughout the centre whilst enhanced and more frequent cleaning routines are being carried out daily on frequent touch points.
The centre has adapted its layout to reflect social distancing measures, removing temporary commercial units to ensure adequate space for consumers to shop safely. A one-way system has been created and social distancing floor markers have also been put in place to remind shoppers to keep a two-metre distance from one another. In addition to Dolphin staff, each retailer also has a dedicated team member at their entrance to manage the number of shoppers inside.
John Grinnell, Centre Manager at the Dolphin Shopping Centre, commented: “I am really impressed with how well the shoppers have adapted to the measures we have put in place throughout the centre. Our one-way walking system is working well to direct the flow of shoppers and our floor markings are helping shoppers to maintain the 2-metre social distancing rules.
“We saw some queues on Monday morning ahead of reopening but queuing has reduced throughout the week to much lower levels, and shoppers now rarely need to queue to get into the centre or individual stores.
“I am very proud of our centre staff, all our retailers and our customers for how well they have worked together to make and keep Dolphin a safe and enjoyable shopping experience through this crisis, and am very pleased to be welcoming shoppers back to the centre.”
Vicki Jesson, Manager of Marks and Spencer commented: “There is really clear messaging around the centre – it’s positive and welcoming with a big focus on safety. It has been busier in the centre over the past week but at no point has it felt overcrowded.”
The Dolphin Shopping Centre is currently open Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 6.30pm, and Sundays from 10am to 5.30pm. Elderly and vulnerable customers are encouraged to shop between the hours of 9am to 10am, whilst NHS and key workers will be given priority between 4.30pm to 5.30pm. Each retailers’ specific opening times are available on their website.
For more information, please visit www.dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk/covid-19