After months away, eager shoppers were able to return to Upper Canada Mall today as part of the province’s step two of reopening.
Hundreds of people entered the mall in its first hours of opening as indoor shopping resumed, with a 25 per cent capacity limit.
Under step one, malls were limited to essential services or curbside pickup.
Marketing manager Christine Seidman said “it feels amazing” to be open for shopping again. The mall had about 40 per cent of its capacity under public health protocols, or 1,200 people, throughout its opening hours, according to its website.
“We’re super optimistic about the resumption of shopping inside our malls,” Seidman said. “Very happy for all of our retailers and all of our employees as well.”
The mall is utilizing public health restrictions to manage shopping. Only one entrance will be open, with masks and screening required. The mall will also keep live capacity information on its website, so shopper can plan around how close the centre is to its 3,000 person limit.
Food and beverage cannot be eaten inside the mall, though some restaurants and outlets are offering takeout.
Retailers have faced limitations to this point, with indoor malls having to remain closed even as other non-essential retail stores could reopen during step one of the reopening plan that started June 11. Only stores with street entrances could allow shoppers in until now.
“There’s been some difficulties,” Seidman said. “We are optimistic there is an appetite for retail as we reopen to the public.”
“We’ve just been working closely with the government,” she added. “Following those mandates.”
Oxford Properties head of retail Bradley Jones said the company's malls have been ready to reopen.
“The retailers and restaurants in our shopping centres have endured some of the world’s longest closures,” Jones said in a news release. “We are optimistic about the resumption of shopping inside our malls with capacity limits, which we strictly enforce at all times."
NewmarketToday requested to attend the premises to cover the reopening, but Upper Canada Mall denied the request. They said media would not be allowed onto the premises for reopening day due to their teams "focusing on safety and operations."
Seidman said shopping appetite was present in the first hours.
“We are feeling really excited about seeing the people here this morning,” Seidman said. “It’s nice to see, for us as employees, to see the centre looking lively.
“We are super excited to see everyone,” she added. “The health and safety of customers, retail employees, and mall employees are top of mind.”
