Social distancing: Gold Coast shopping centres open hundreds of retailers with strict restrictions

Hundreds of retailers will be trading at major Gold Coast shopping centres this weekend, but they will open with strict rules. SEE FULL RESTRICTIONS.

HUNDREDS of retailers will be trading at major Gold Coast shopping centres this weekend, but they will be open with strict restrictions.

As of last Saturday, Queenslanders have been allowed to travel up to 50km from their homes and given the green light to go shopping for non-essential goods.

The three major centres in the city – Robina Town Centre, Pacific Fair and Harbour Town – had all reported a massive influx of customers and sales since restrictions were eased.

People are allowed to shop, just as long as they follow social distancing rules and only head out with one other person or their family group.

Here’s how Gold Coast shopping centres are trading during the restrictions.

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A Harbour Town security employee monitors social distancing as people lined up outside Peter Alexander last weekend. Picture: Jerad Williams

ROBINA TOWN CENTRE

Nearly 40 retailers have recently reopened at Robina Town Centre, with a total of 176 retailers trading centre wide.

More stores are expected to reopen in coming weeks.

Robina Town Centre general manager Kathleen Hart has seen increased foot traffic throughout the centre.

“We’re pleased to see that most people are doing the right thing and practising social distancing while in-centre, and we encourage our customers to continue doing that,” Ms Hart said.

“We continue to maintain a significantly heightened level of precautionary measures to help

mitigate the spread of the virus at Robina Town Centre.”

Those measures include:

• a strengthened focus on disinfecting commonly touched areas
• providing antibacterial products
• social distancing directives at key points throughout the Centre
• adjusting airconditioning systems to maximise the intake of fresh air

Social distancing rules at Kmart, Robina Town Centre May 7.

THE OASIS

About 85 per cent of retailers are trading within the Broadbeach-based centre.

The Oasis centre manager Tim Grigg said:

“The Oasis retailers are thrilled to see so many retailers open for business with a number of our Fashion Boutiques offering up to 50% sales for Mother’s Day and celebrate their re-opening”.

“Our Woolworth’s is convenient and our the centre’s provides a great location to access the Broadbeach park and beach for fitness and picnics, and many of our restaurant’s are offering takeaway, and even brunch and picnic packs to including Elk Espresso, Madison’s, Beachside Pavilion and Mario’s.

“To ensure the best possible practices to keep customers safe, The Oasis has implemented additional cleaning measures which include:

- a daily deep sanitising routine with agents and disinfectants with a key focus on the thorough cleaning of all frequently touched surfaces, floors, seats, handrails, lifts, escalators and bathrooms.

- Hand sanitisers are also in place throughout the centre.

- Tenants must also adhere the Governments current regulations of visitors allow in their business and one time and shopper must also practice social distancing measures.”

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Rhiann Mulquiney from Broadbeach gets some shopping done at Pacific Fair. Picture Glenn Hampson

HARBOUR TOWN

Harbour Town Premium Outlets now have more than 100 stores trading, with more to open up in coming weeks.

Centre manager Greg Day is urging people to shop responsibly.

“We will continue to promote and ensure ‘responsible shopping’ practices at Harbour Town,” including:

• more security
• centre staff monitoring entrances and roaming the malls to ensure everyone is doing the right thing

“We ask shoppers to please be compliant and patient so we can all stay on the road to recovery,” Mr Day said.

A cleaner wipes down chairs, tables and railings at Pacific Fair. Photo: Tertius Pickard

PACIFIC FAIR

A spokesperson for Broadbeach-based Pacific Fair Shopping has seen a “significant” increase in traffic since restrictions were eased.

They are predicting a bumper weekend, with approximately 200 retailers open on Saturday.

“(We are) continuing to implement a range of procedures to ensure the safety of all visitors and staff of Pacific Fair.

These include:

• Signage throughout the centre
• Announcements over the PA system
• Increased cleaning
• Hand Sanitiser stations throughout the centre
• Increased security staff

“Pacific Fair is asking all customers and staff who visit the centre to assist them by complying with social distancing requirements in addition to only visiting the centre with the allowed number of friends or family.”