Covid-19: The impact of coronavirus on retail

As more and more people avoid crowded places as a precaution against the coronavirus outbreak, the biggest risk to retailers may turn out to be empty stores rather than empty shelves.

North Coast shopping centres plan to stay open but have implemented vigorous cleaning programmes to ensure that shoppers are safe from infection.

Ballito Lifestyle Centre stated it will remain open to the public for normal centre trading hours. Anchor tenants will also operate their normal trading hours.

The centre has implemented various precautionary protocols including additional cleaners who will be dedicated to cleaning all surfaces around the centre continually.

However, all events have been cancelled until 14 April, although live music will continue to be offered at The Market and Eat Street.

Lifestyle Centre co-owner Bruce Rencken said, “We are confident that our tenants understand both the importance of taking these precautionary measures as well as the need to not panic and act reasonably and responsibly. As we receive further advice from government and industry, we will pass it on and update protocol as necessary.”

“We have a task team in place who will be meeting each day to determine our actions as events unfold. Our primary concern is the health of our customers and staff. We will keep the public updated via our Facebook page,” said Rencken.

Ballito Junction Regional Mall centre manager Geraldine Jorgensen said, “We want to assure everyone that we remain open to serve their needs and are taking all the necessary precautions based on the official recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and South African health authorities.”

According to Jorgensen, cleaning at the centre is taking place more frequently and rigorously, especially on high-touch surfaces, using the prescribed alcohol-based cleaning agents and enhanced methods of disinfecting.

“Ballito Junction plans to continue to operate as normal, albeit with extra precautions, and should anything change we will immediately update our community,” added Jorgensen.

While the medical advice is that it is most common for Covid-19 to be transmitted via coughs or sneezes, rigorous hand-washing is recommended for everyone.

Tiffany’s Shopping centre manager Nicki Vorster told the Courier they were adhering to high standards of hygiene throughout the centre and were taking extra precautions.

” Alongside this, we are urging everyone to follow the WHO’s advice: wash hands frequently with hot water and soap for 20 seconds or use alcohol hand gel, and be aware of safe coughing etiquette.” said Vorster.

* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader,

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