CENTRE STAGE
»»Doors open for first time since lockdown »»Foot traffic slower as customers ease back
CUSTOMERS and sales staff across the country were delighted as shopping centres opened their doors for business.
While shops with street entrances have been back on a phased basis, it was only yesterday that shopping centres were able to welcome customers back into their premises.
But like their high street counterparts, they must also follow strict public health guidelines.
Staff and shoppers alike must maintain social distancing, wash or sanitise hands frequently and many stores have marked out clear paths for customers to follow while looking for their items.
At the Dundrum Town Centre in Dublin yesterday, there were smiles on the faces of customers and staff alike as everyone enjoyed the first day back.
But foot traffic was much slower than anticipated and the expected long queues did not materialise.
People were able to move freely about, without worrying about overcrowding or bumping into each other.
The public has been advised to wear masks in stores and many did so as they went about their business, though some did not.
Most of the big name shops were open – though House of Fraser was having a closing down sale and Monsoon remained closed. Coffee and juice stalls were open but the food court remained closed.
David Farrell, shop manager at Louis Copeland & Sons, said he and his colleagues were excited to be back to work. During lockdown, staff worked from home, helping out with the online business.
But Mr Farrell said yesterday: “Donning the suit again is great. We’re excited to open our doors again.
“People are really looking forward to getting back to normal.”
Most of the customers yesterday
were in search of shirts and trousers for Father’s Day gifts.
But the shop also had a number of enquiries from couples who are now hoping to get married in August or September.
Mr Farrell said: “It’s nice to see, for brides and grooms, that all is not lost.”
And while the shops had to shut down during lockdown, he added he wasn’t too worried about the future of the business.
Mr Farrell said: “The Copelands have survived two world wars – I wasn’t worried. I have great confidence in the business.”
And across the way, Weir & Sons was also open.
Shop manager David Roberts said: “We’re delighted to be back, though we’re surprised because we were expecting it to be the 10th of August.
“We opened at 10.30am, and we had people knocking on the door. There was a rush then until about 11.15am.”
Upstairs, Rituals had brought in bespoke sinks for customers to wash their hands and trial the luxury hand washing products on sale in store.
Shop manager Larissa Santos was acting as host, greeting and directing customers as needed.
She said people were buying a variety of products – but many were purchasing hand washes, shower foams and sun protection creams.
Ms Santos added: “I was expecting it to be a bit busier. I think the weather is too nice right now.”
Meanwhile, busy parents Ingrid Burrell and her partner Kevin Collins,
from Kildare town, were buying a much-needed double buggy from Bella Baby – for twins who are due in seven weeks.
With them was their 10-month-old daughter Alannah who, according to Ingrid, was “excited to be out and about”.
Ms Burrell said the shopping experience was very relaxed, made calmer by the fact they had to make an appointment with the shop before coming in to purchase their item.
Mr Collins said he was expecting the centre to be much busier.
He added: “We walked right into Penneys and thought, it’s so quiet, are we in the wrong place?
“But we’re just going to have to adapt and get on with things.”