Shopping centres in Aberdeen are set to reopen their doors to the public on Monday 13 July.
After nearly four months of closure it’s expected that shoppers will be keen to get back into Union Square, Bon Accord and Trinity Centre malls and enjoy some long anticipated retail therapy.
Shops reopening in the malls include big brand names such as Debenhams, Sketchers, Zara, H &M, River Island and Apple. John Lewis, which is part of the Bon Accord experience, has confirmed it will re-open its Aberdeen store on Thursday 30 July.
Commenting on the highly anticipated reopening of Aberdeen’s shopping malls Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired said: “With lockdown restrictions easing gradually in Scotland we have seen a steady increase in people returning to our city centre for both retail and social purposes and we predict that this trend will continue.
“Our retail malls, which sit in the heart of the city, have used the past few months to prepare for this day and we are confident that they have put in place a whole raft of measures to help keep customers safe whilst still making them feel welcome.
“Measures put in place include hand sanitiser stations, directional signage, one way systems and of course face coverings which will be part of the new normal for all shoppers from Friday this week.
“I’m confident that people will return, we are excited to be welcoming shoppers safely back to our malls which compliment our other great city centre retailers from small independents to leading high street brands who have already opened their doors.”
Bon Accord which is home to over 70 shops from favourite high street names like Waterstones and Topshop to more specialised stores will reopen its doors from 5:30am on Monday 13 July with the NEXT sale starting in store at 7am that day.
Craig Stevenson, Centre manager said, “Bon Accord is very much looking forward to welcoming back visitors from 13 July. The stores and centre team have been working hard to make sure the Centre is as safe as possible. Although it will feel a little different, it is an important step in helping get Aberdeen back to normal.”
Ryan Manson, General Manager at Union Square, Aberdeen’s newest mall said: “We're really looking forward to welcoming customers back to Union Square on Monday. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes for the past few months to get everything ready, and we’ve introduced a range of measures to keep everyone safe. We know that this new way of shopping is going to take some getting used to, so we’d just ask our customers to be patient and aware of others when they visit.”
Linda Stewart, Manager at the Trinity Centre in Aberdeen added, “We are delighted to be opening the Centre on Monday, looking forward to welcoming customers old and new.
“The Centre will have sanitising stations at each doorway, floor decals to guide our customers around the Centre while adhering to social distancing. There will also be informational posters, barriers, and security and cleaning patrols, all these elements are in place to ensure that staff, tenants and our customers can shop in a clean and secure environment.”
The past few months have been unprecedented and challenging times for businesses and Aberdeen Inspired has been working tirelessly to support levy payers, businesses and city centre partners to maintain our city centre and prepare for reopening in a safe and sensible fashion.
All three city centre shopping malls will reopen their doors to shoppers on Monday 13 July 2020.