Coronavirus: shops at Castle Towers gradually open as ‘contactless’ shopping on the cards
Retailers at Castle Towers are gradually opening their doors as the state government signals social distancing measures will ease this month.
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More retailers are opening their doors in Castle Towers this week as the federal and state governments look to relax social distancing measures.
Over 100 retailers currently have their doors open in the centre, albeit with reduced staff and hours. More than 100 still have their doors shut.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian today encouraged businesses in the state to “have a go” at reopening their doors, ahead of a national cabinet meetings to discuss the easing of shutdown measures this week.
Outdoor store Kathmandu opened its doors on Saturday at Castle Towers.
Sales assistant Branden Freitas said it had been “surprisingly busy”.
“We are a winter based company and people are coming in to buy essential items rather than items for leisure,” he said.
The store made the decision to open as online sales were strong despite the lockdown.
Footwear store Hype DC has also just opened its doors.
A sales assistant said it was “good to be back” but time would tell whether sales were strong.
Casey’s Toys in the centre is reporting strong demand for board games and puzzles.
“It has been pretty steady,” manager Rosie Popovic said.
“People are looking for those old fashioned board games like Trivial Pursuit, Monopoly and Mouse Trap,” she said.
Most beauty, tanning, nail salons and spas remain shut at Castle Towers despite the health minister Brad Hazzard advising on Saturday they could open their doors to sell products in the lead up to Mother’s Day.
One Castle Towers beauty retailer described the advice as “ridiculous” given most beauty salons sell limited stock and rely on their “services” for income.
Hair salons at Castle Towers continue to operate but with reduced hours.
One operator said business was down “50-60 per cent” but in the last week things had started to pick up.
“We are getting a lot more phone calls, there is more movement, people are getting more confidence with the restrictions lifting.”
Major retailers such as David Jones, Kmart and Target have operated throughout the pandemic and are looking to increase their hours.
Myer continues to be shut. A staff member at Myer in Castle Towers tested positive for COVID-19 on March 19.
A number of food retailers are open for takeaway or delivery such as Betty’s Burgers, Criniti’s, Gami Chicken and Beer, Guzman y Gomez, Kinn Dining, PappaRich, Tella Balls, KFC and Costi’s Fresh Food.
The Australian Retailers Association CEO Paul Zahra said retailers are expected to move towards ‘contactless shopping’ with items like ‘spraying and testing’ a fragrance out.
A full list of Castle Towers stores operating can be found here.