Changes in store for mall shoppers
Shopping malls in Waterloo Region reopening Friday as pandemic restrictions ease across Ontario
WATERLOO REGION — Shoppers can head back to malls Friday in Waterloo Region, but the retail hubs won’t look the same as they did in March.
Directional signage and distancing markers. One-way traffic through common areas, and designated entrances and exits. Increased cleaning and abundant hand-sanitizing stations.
Food court vendors can reopen, but you’ll have to take your meal to go as seating areas remain closed. Mall walking won’t be allowed for now in at least one property, CF Fairview Park in Kitchener. And you may be hard-pressed to find a bench to sit on.
The Cambridge Centre, Conestoga Mall and Fairview Park all plan to reopen Friday with reduced hours after lengthy closures for most of their tenants. Businesses deemed essential, and more recently, those with exterior entrances, were allowed to operate.
“We’re very excited to finally welcome our shoppers back,” said Conestoga Mall’s general manager, Karl Ditoro. “The goal for Friday, and continuing on as we live through this state of emergency, is that safety is our No. 1 priority.”
Decals and signage will promote physical distancing and guide shoppers. Lineup areas will be marked in the food court and outside stores. The number of customers allowed in each store will differ depending on the store’s size and the number of staff on hand.
Asked about maximum capacity for the Waterloo mall as a whole, Ditoro said guidelines have been set by the province but he wouldn’t elaborate on specifics for Conestoga. Provincial communications are similarly vague.
“We do have the ability to monitor and control our environment to ensure safety for our shoppers,” Ditoro said.
In a statement, representatives from the Cambridge Centre said they’ve introduced new measures in the interest of “delivering the highest standards of safety for our community.”
While most stores at the malls are expected to reopen Friday, some may not be open immediately. The malls recommend that customers call individual retailers to confirm hours and other details.
“Guests will be asked to follow health and safety guidelines and the centre has measures in place to create a positive experience for our shoppers, employees and tenants,” the Cambridge Centre statement noted.
Representatives from CF Fairview Park in Kitchener could not be reached for comment. However, a reopening plan outlining new procedures and health and safety measures is posted on the mall’s website.
“CF will actively manage access to the centre, to control crowd density and ensure physical distancing,” the plan states.
The Kingsway Drive food court doors and those near Jack Astor’s will be the only two entrances open.
“Non-essential activities such as mall walking, other physical activities, community meetings, etc. will not be permitted until further notice,” the document says.
“As an integral member of the community, we are not underestimating the importance of a well-thought out plan to support our customers and our retailers … COVID-19 will likely disrupt our lives for some time, and we’ve adapted our operations to reflect this new normal,” it adds.
Waterloo Region public health officials say face masks are not mandatory while in stores but they’re strongly encouraged, especially in situations where physical distancing is not guaranteed.
The neighbouring Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Health Unit has made face coverings mandatory inside any commercial establishment as of Friday, with few exceptions.
CF Fairview Park and Conestoga Mall’s hours initially will be Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Cambridge Centre’s hours are Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check the malls’ websites for further details.