In case you missed it, exciting news broke last week in Ontario that non-essential businesses can reopen for curbside pick-up starting May 11. The guidelines stated that if the business has a street-facing door, then they have the green light so that means shopping malls in the province aren’t allowed to open their doors until given the go-ahead by public health officials. However, we now have an idea of what it’ll be like to shop when malls reopen.
As reported by Retail-Insider, Cadillac Fairview, owner of 15 malls across Canada, has developed a well thought out plan to ensure its malls are reopened in a safe way for shoppers and all employees.
“Given these uncertain times, we are focused on providing a high level of safety and comfort while ensuring our community is able to access the goods and services they require,” says the company website. “COVID-19 will likely disrupt our lives for some time, and we’ve adapted our operations to reflect this new normal.”
The first Cadillac Fairview mall to open in Canada is CF Polo Park shopping centre in Winnipeg which opened on May 4.
Malls will be open for limited operating hours. Cadillac Fairview says that the hours will likely be Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. but this will differ from province to province and hasn’t been confirmed.
Once the malls reopen, you’ll likely notice increased security personnel. This is to ensure that a controlled amount of people enter the mall at a time so that social distancing can be achieved. There will also be extensive signage.
One way Cadillac Fairview plans to manage physical distancing is by having designated one-way traffic in common areas where required, creating clear lanes onto escalators, and having enter only and exit only doors.
In addition to the above, the malls will also be increasing all cleaning and hygiene practices that include Hand sanitizer stations located throughout.
If a shopper or CF employee ends up testing positive for COVID-19 or has possibly come in contact with the virus, serious procedures will be put in place. This includes prompt notification as well as sending employees home and performing a deep cleaning of any affected areas.
In regard to mall amenities, folks can still purchase gift cards from Guest Services using contactless points of sale. The food courts will not supply re-usable items like plates, cutlery, or trays so it’ll be take-out containers from here on out. Also, in accordance with public health guidelines, dine-in seating is off-limits and physical distancing will be in place for any line-ups.
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