Outlet Collection makes masks mandatory

Mall will use extra security, police during high traffic periods

Amandatory mask rule that includes outdoor areas as well as crowd monitoring and extra security are a few steps management at the Outlet Collection in Niagara mall is taking to offset increased consumer traffic over the holidays.

General manager Joanne Ross said as of Nov. 27 the Niagara-on-the-lake mall will require masks or face coverings be worn in outdoor common areas, in addition to inside stores and mall buildings.

NOTL town council recently discussed implementing its own bylaw that would mandate patrons there to wear masks while outdoors on mall premises, but was advised the town had no jurisdiction because it’s private property.

Other steps the Outlet is taking include deploying extra security guards and co-ordinating Niagara Regional Police paid duty officers during high-traffic periods to assist with crowd monitoring.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, retailers have had customers line up outside their stores to control the number inside and ensure physical distancing was taking place. Ross said that will continue through the holiday season. There will also be exterior lineups at the mall entrances to limit the number of patrons on the walkways.

Mall staff will also install extra directional signage throughout the property. Some retailers have also been providing the option for curbside pick-up.

Ross said implementing the additional steps was done for the health and safety of customers, tenants and employees.

“As shoppers move throughout the centre, we are relying on the collective co-operation of the public to respect measures as outlined by governmental authorities and ask that everyone follow the physical distancing measures posted throughout the property,” she said

For people who don’t want to physically wait in line, mall staff have launched a virtual lineup management system through the shopping centre website, using a QR code accessible at participating stores.

The system allows patrons to line up virtually at specific stores by filling out a short form asking for name and phone number. Then a text will be sent confirming they have joined a waiting line.

During the wait period, shoppers can continue roaming the mall, wait off-site or follow a live wait time tracker. The system will send a notification when the customer is next in line at the store they have signed up for.

It’s not clear if all mall retailers will be participating in this virtual lineup system.