Shopping boom in shopping centres?

In previous years, footfall in shopping centres in December rose by an average of 20-25% compared with the average of other months. Given the epidemic situation and the fears of many customers about safety, it can be expected that this year the galleries will be visited by several million fewer customers.

Nevertheless, every second Pole may still visit shopping centres - according to CBRE estimates. We advise how to get through the pre-Christmas shopping rush safely in three simple steps.

- Shopping centres are the first destination for customers' Christmas and pre-Christmas shopping in Poland. In previous years, footfall in this period grew by as much as 25%. This year, due to the epidemic situation, there will be fewer visits, but the safety of customers and employees is no less important. Owners and managers of shopping centres take a very rigorous approach to the proper securing of facilities and compliance with sanitary standards. Disinfectants, shields, designated zones, security staff supervising compliance with the rules are only part of the procedures. Numerous studies show that the infection rate in this type of place is one of the lowest when we consider public places - says Piotr Karpiński, head of the property management department at CBRE.

In connection with the reopening of shopping centres, representatives of the advisory firm CBRE have prepared a safe shopping guide for customers of all retail facilities in Poland.

Step 1. Thorough preparation for shopping

Step 1. Thorough preparation for shopping

When planning Christmas shopping in a shopping centre, it is worth thinking it through carefully in advance. A shopping list and checking the shopping centre's plan on its website will help minimise the time we spend in the facility. It is also worth making sure that the shop we are interested in is still available in the chosen shopping centre and whether the goods we are going for can be found at that location. On almost every shopping centre website we will find direct phone numbers for the shops.

As part of responsible shopping, let us ask members of our family, friends or neighbours whether they need anything that we can buy for them when going to the shopping centre. In this way we minimise traffic while helping each other. Finally, a reminder about proper protection - prepare a mask, gloves, take your own shopping bag (this is not only safe, but also eco-friendly).

Step 2. Shopping readiness instead of a fever

Step 2. Shopping readiness instead of a fever

During shopping in the shopping centre and public space, remember to wear your mask correctly. On the way to the shopping centre, when travelling by public transport, keep an appropriate distance. When using the car park, park in every other space, take care of privileged people - do not park in spaces for families, disabled people and pregnant women.

Safe shopping in shopping centres

While in the facility, follow your own shopping plan and pay attention to signage and instructions from the facility's staff. After entering the shopping centre, disinfect your hands and repeat this action in every shop and after using the toilet. Also try to use contactless payments.

Step 3. React and be vigilant

Step 3. React and be vigilant

A shopping centre is one of the safest places. This is ensured by employees who introduce additional safeguards, procedures and stronger cleaning agents - after all, it is in their best interest. However, without responsibility on the part of customers, these measures may not be sufficient. Keep your distance in the queue and do not hesitate to enforce this from other shoppers - sales staff and security will support you! Do not buy excessively in bulk - there will be no shortage of goods in the shop.

Empathy is very important these days, be patient - shopping centre employees work in difficult conditions and under stress, they try to help, but they are not qualified medical or security staff - working in masks, behind screens is more difficult.

After returning home, remove your mask correctly, throw it away or put it in the wash. Remember to thoroughly wash and disinfect your hands. Plan your shopping so that you do not have to do it every day.

- A shopping centre is unquestionably a safe environment that operates under the highest sanitary regime. Managers and owners of these facilities often go beyond official requirements, which, with cooperation from customers, provides comfortable conditions for pre-Christmas shopping, even in the current difficult circumstances - concludes Piotr Karpiński, head of the property management department at CBRE.

Summary

CBRE experts estimate that this year every second Pole may visit shopping centres, and December footfall may be lower than in previous years, when it grew by an average of 20-25%. Nevertheless, shopping centres remain the main destination for pre-Christmas shopping, and their managers declare strict compliance with sanitary standards.

The guide prepared by CBRE indicates three steps to safe shopping: meticulous planning, maintaining readiness and vigilance during the visit, and empathy towards employees. As Piotr Karpiński emphasises, the infection rate in shopping centres is one of the lowest among public places, and customer responsibility is key to maintaining safety.