The popular Trafford Center will reopen next week as non-essential retail stores are allowed to return from April 12th.
But what can buyers expect at the center after months of lockdown?
Zoe Inman, Center Director, said, “We are more than ready to welcome our visitors on April 12th and once again bring people the Trafford Center experience they know and love, as well as some new and exciting brands to welcome . ”
Which stores won’t reopen?
The huge Manchester mall has confirmed shoppers can safely browse the Barton Square stores with favorite brands like Selfridges, John Lewis, Zara and Primark, all of which are reopening their doors.
However, the pandemic hit High Street hard and many major brands have ceased trading as a result.
Here are the stores that will not reopen at the Trafford Center:
- Thorntons
- Topshop and Topman
- Debenhams
- Burtons
- Aldo shoes
- Dorothy Perkins
- Miss Selfridge
New shops and restaurants in the Trafford Center
However, the Trafford Center as we know it is also changing. Starting April 12th, new brands and stores will also open their doors including:
- Gym + Coffee- a sports brand (opening April 17th)
- Polestar – A dealership
Polestar (Photo: Trafford Center / Charlotte Cunningham) - Chopstix noodle bars
- Tommy Hilfiger – American premium clothing brand
- Ritual cosmetics shop
Rituals (Photo: Trafford Center, Charlotte Cunningham)
- Pop Specs- Ophthalmic Service
- Forever unique – luxury fashion brand
- Aldo shoe store
- Archie’s – fast food restaurant
(Photo: Trafford Center / Charlotte Cunningham)
Can we eat at restaurants in the Trafford Center?
(Photo: Trafford Center)
Eating in restaurants and indoor entertainment venues is permitted on May 17th at the earliest.
However, a variety of restaurants such as Tampopo, Five Guys, Archie’s, Barburrito, and Slim Chickens will be offering takeout service starting April 12th. Visitors can enjoy their food and drinks in one of the many outdoor areas of the center.
New outdoor seating areas are also being introduced for people to sit and enjoy their meals.
What security measures are in place at the Trafford Center?
The Trafford Centre’s tight security measures will continue to play an important role in making the center a safe place to visit and work, including disposable systems, frequent deep cleans, hand sanitizing stations, regular Tannoy announcements and capacity restrictions. Additionally:
- Everyone must wear face covering when entering and indoors, unless otherwise specified. Trained officers will contact customers at the entrances if they are not wearing face covering.
- In order to be within the center’s capacity limits and allow social distancing, visitors may be asked to queue up to get in, especially on weekends when the center can be more popular. People are advised to prepare for the UK weather in case they have to queue.
- Your teams have conducted additional training on wellbeing and customer service. We ask visitors to be kind and considerate towards our colleagues and others
- People should only visit the center with people they live with or with whom they are in a support bubble. The rule of six applies to interiors from May 17th.
- A number of parking lots and entrances will remain closed to facilitate capacity management.
(Photo: Trafford Center)
Zoe Inman said, “Our approach to reopening will be cautious and we have taken many precautions as restrictions are gradually being relaxed. We have invested in additional training and wellness resources for our colleagues, and the teams have worked hard to prepare the center.
“We only ask visitors to plan their trip, look for important information on our website and social channels, and follow the applicable safety measures. Our hardworking teams are here to keep you safe. So be kind and considerate when approached by one of our colleagues. Let’s all work together to ensure that restrictions are further relaxed and we can return to a more normal way of life. ”
What are the opening times?
The opening times of the center are:
Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sundays: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
From May 17th, the center will remain open until 10 p.m. A full list of shops and opening times can be found here: traffordcentre.co.uk.
