'Get behind your shops' call ahead of make or break return
Shopping centres and high streets across the Black Country and Staffordshire are ready to welcome customers back safely after three months of lockdown.
Non-essential shops were forced to close in January with the region's centres remaining open for shoppers to buy essential items only.
But now it is just over a week until all retailers can once again open their doors under the Government's roadmap, so bosses at the centres and council chiefs are making sure plans are in place ready for customers to support local shops once again.
Local authorities are looking at pedestrianising areas within town centres to allow for social distancing after Wolverhampton Council installed bollards to protect shoppers.
One Black Country shopping centre had brought an empty store back to life with a mass vaccination hub.
Bosses at the Saddlers Shopping Centre in Walsall said new retailers will be opening up and they will be running projects to support current businesses.
Melvin Glasby, centre manager, said: “It’s been great to see a once empty unit brought to life and serving the good people of Walsall in the fight against Covid. I was so pleased to see the first people arrive and make use of this amazing set up.”
He said they will be working with businesses to ensure a smooth opening and that social distancing measures are in place. And a 'Saddlers Smile' competition was introduced on Facebook in January with a £50 voucher to be won monthly.
Melvin added: “We’re really looking forward to opening the centre fully to everyone from 12 April and seeing the community back at the Saddlers. Look out for some exciting new retailers opening their doors for the first time! We’ve got everything from shoes to sausage rolls and beauty to baguettes. Please support our local retailers and shop local.”
In Wolverhampton, a new Frasers store will be opening in the Mander Centre, but bosses are also encouraging customers to support independent businesses.
Richard Scharenguivel, the manager of the Mander Centre, said: “As part of the Mander Centre philosophy we also continue to encourage our customers to shop local and support our independents; it’s always been important and now more than ever.”
