Shoppers queue as Braehead reopens
Shoppers flocked to Renfrewshire’s biggest mall yesterday as intu Braehead reopened.
People started to queue to get into the centre an hour before the official opening time of 10am as non-essential stores reopened for the first time since March 24.
But shopping was a different experience to usual as a raft of measures designed to keep customers and staff safe throughout the pandemic were rolled out across the centre.
People were met with hand sanitiser as they entered and were told the follow floor stickers which highlighted a one-way system for walking and the two-metre social distancing rule.
Shoppers were, like in all retail outlets, also required to wear a face covering.
Staff - who have implemented an enhanced cleaning regime - were also on hand within the mall to help people adhere to the Covid-19 guidelines.
Braehead’s director Peter Beagley said: “It’s a great feeling being able to welcome people back to the centre and there has obviously been a big jump in footfall with most of our nonessential stores re-opening.
“We’ve made sure the centre is re- opening in line with the government’s guidelines and we’re doing everything we can to make sure intu Braehead is a safe place to visit and to work.
“It will be a different experience than usual for everyone who visits us, but it’s pleasing to see everyone following the guidelines we’ve put in place.
“Both our visitors and our staff are working together to keep each other safe and I would thank everyone for doing that.”
Essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies were permitted to operate in Braehead throughout lockdown, but all other shops were closed for more than three months.
Their reopening comes as part of phase three of the Scottish Government’s lockdown recovery plan.