The Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA) has welcomed NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s encouragement for businesses to ‘have a go’ and reopen if they are able to adhere to social distancing rules.
SCCA Chairman, Peter Allen said: “We welcome the NSW Premier’s comments which will provide a boost of confidence for consumers and the retail industry as we balance health and safety with the economic recovery”.
Last week, with the retail union and retailer groups, our industry released a COVID19 Retail Recovery Protocol which outlines 10 key actions to provide community assurance that strict public health guidelines will continue to be followed.
“Our industry assures the Premier that the retail industry is working together and will ensure public health guidelines will continue to be followed as more people return to shopping centres and retailers”, said Allen.
“The Retail Recovery Protocol aims to outline simple and practical public health measures our industry will continue to take to ensure that our shopping centres and retailers are providing safe, healthy and secure environments”, said Allen.
“Our industry is already seeing more retailers opening their doors and customers return to centres. We ask our customers to continue to practise social distancing when they visit our centres and our retailers so we can continue to deliver a safe and healthy environment for all”, said Allen.
The Shopping Centre Council continues to work closely with the National Retailers Association, Australian Retail Association, Pharmacy Guild and the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association, to ensure the application of the Protocol.
Many retailers across the country are starting to re-open stores this week given the lowering rate of coronavirus cases. Given Mother’s Day is on Sunday this time of year would see a significant peak in gift sales. Apple stores have re-opened across the country and Myer has announced five store re-openings in QLD and another re-two stores opening in NSW this week.
The Shopping Centre Council looks forward to the outcomes from National Cabinet at the end of the week in relation to the gradual easing of restrictions.
