‘Stay safe’ plea as Paisley shopping centres reopen
Shopping centres in Paisley are opening back up today as customers prepare for a new way of shopping due to a host of safety measures.
Retail bosses at shopping complexes in the town have been working to get their centres ready to open today for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, as Scotland enters into phase three of lockdown.
Shoppers are now able to return to non-essential stores, however they be required to wear face coverings in line with Scottish government instructions which made masks mandatory in shops from Friday.
The Paisley Centre, which is based in the High Street, has implemented a one-way system within the shopping complex to allow for social distancing.
Customers will be asked to enter the store on the High Street and Causeyside Street, with the doors on Storie Street being used as an exit only.
Bosses have also introduced a number of hygiene measures to allow Buddies to shop safely, including removing all mall seating, closing access to toilets other than for baby changing and those with disabilities, and staff will be monitoring the number of people within the centre.
Leona Young, marketing manager at the Paisley Centre, said: “The Paisley Centre are so pleased to be able to welcome everyone back with the centre reopening on Monday.
“We all have a massive part to play in this from making stores and facilities safe to wearing masks, respecting social distancing and being mindful in general.
“Please follow the new centre measures regarding the one way system, hand sanitising, masks and other guidelines.
“We’d like to thank all the stores and their staff for continuing to serve the community throughout this challenging time and the security and cleaning teams who kept things running.
“The Paisley Centre would also like to take the opportunity to thank all the NHS and care staff, key workers in all industries and the general public for getting us all to where we are now.
“Please continue to follow all the guidelines and we look forward to seeing you all.”
Other centres in Renfrewshire will also be opening their doors to shoppers today, including the Piazza and intu Braehead.
Visitors at Braehead will be required to wear face coverings and floor stickers have been placed throughout the complex to keep in line with social distancing rules.
Staff will also follow deep cleaning schedules in order to operate as safely and hygienically as possible during the pandemic.
Braehead’s director Peter Beagley said: “It will be a different experience than usual for everyone who visits us, but this is to make sure everyone is safe and enjoys their time when they come shopping.
“We know we cannot do this alone and everyone who visits us, whether for work or to shop will play their part in keeping themselves and each other safe by following official guidelines and the instructions and safety information provided by our team.”
We all have a massive part to play in this from making stores and facilities safe to wearing masks