The Trafford Centre is asking visitors to be organised and plan their trip to the centre once non-essential retail opens on 2 December.
Many shoppers might prefer to visit the centre during quieter periods, which are generally earlier in the day and later in the evening. Quieter shopping times will be posted weekly via The Trafford Centre’s social channels.
The centre is open 10am - 10pm on weekdays and some larger stores - including Selfridges, Debenhams, John Lewis, Boots, Primark and M&S - will open an hour earlier at 9am, offering people the opportunity to tick everything off their Christmas list early. Primark will also trade from 7am on 2 December until normal closing time on 3 December.
To ensure safe social distancing, the centre will be observing capacity limits. This means that customers may be asked to queue outdoors during busier periods and are advised to dress appropriately for the winter weather. Furthermore, a number of car parks and entrances will remain closed to help manage capacity. Visitors should check this information on the website before their visit: traffordcentre.co.uk.
As Greater Manchester is tier 3, restaurants will be open for takeaway only and leisure venues will not be open. Visitors should be mindful of the government rules on travelling into the area and meeting anyone from outside their household or support bubble at the centre.
The Trafford Centre’s strong safety measures will continue to play an important part in making the centre a safe place to visit and work.
Everyone that visits the centre must wear a face covering in line with government guidance, which securely covers their nose and mouth, unless they are exempt. People should follow the marked routes, with a one-way system being in place to allow everyone to comfortably social distance once inside.
Enhanced hygiene regimes will continue, with regular deep cleaning of key areas and touchpoints like escalators, toilets and keypads. Hand sanitation stands will also remain at entrances and throughout the centre.
Zoe Inman, Centre Director at The Trafford Centre, said: “It’s been an unusual year, but Christmas is still the highlight in our calendar, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back on Wednesday 2nd December.
“Since the start of this pandemic, we’ve had robust and adaptable plans to ensure the safety of everyone who visits and works at The Trafford Centre, and these strong safety measures will continue as non-essential retail opens again.
“We would recommend visitors spend a few minutes planning their visit to ensure they have the best experience possible. We know the Christmas season is going to be different this year, but we’d like to thank everyone in advance for doing their part.”