Chadstone: ‘Bored’ shoppers looking for non-essential items

Cooped-up Melburnians are flocking to major shopping centres as boredom bites, with angry traders at Chadstone saying some shoppers are “bored” and “needed time away from their families”.

Traders say some shoppers are “bored” and not shopping for essentials.

Chadstone shoppers are ignoring stay-at-home orders and flocking to the centre to cure boredom, traders say.

The Leader has spoken to traders at the centre who have spotted shoppers browsing because they are “bored” and fed-up being stuck at home.

One fashion retail worker, who asked not to be named, told The Leader she was “shocked” some shoppers weren’t taking the lockdown seriously.

“We have a lot of customers who come in and do the right thing, but there are some who are walking in and saying they are bored and needed time away from their families,’ she said.

“I have seen police and security regularly patrolling and they’re doing a great job.”

Another fashion retail worker said it was “upsetting” when she saw people doing the wrong thing.

“It’s really sad when we see people coming to the centre without a purpose,” she said.

“The longer people do the wrong thing, the longer we have these restrictions.”

Shoppers were seen sitting on lounges at the centre.

The Leader walked around the centre and saw dozens of security workers, but did not see police patrolling.

Shopper Isabella said she was angered to see people sitting on lounges eating food and using their laptops.

“This is a pandemic and this shouldn’t be happening. The seats should only be reserved for the elderly or people with disabilities,” she said.

Several people were also spotted heading into high-end designer stores including Gucci, Chanel and Tiffany & Co, with most shops only allowing customers by appointment.

A Victoria Police spokesman said police would not provide a running commentary on where police would be located and their daily enforcement activities in regards to Operation Sentinel.

“The community can be assured that police will be out and about in significant numbers across the state,” the spokesman said.

Dozens of shoppers were seen shopping only for essential items in Chadstone’s food hall.

“We will be issuing fines for deliberate, obvious and blatant breaches of the Chief Health Officer directions,” he said.

Chadstone centre manager Michael Whitehead said the centre’s focus was the health, wellbeing and safety of everyone including its team, retailers, and customers.

“Following the announcement from the State Government about the return to stage three restrictions across Melbourne, our centre remains open for our community to shop for necessary fresh food and groceries, household items, clothing, medical services and supplies, and access to financial services,” Mr Whitehead said.

The centre has additional team members and security during peak periods, offering hand sanitiser and reminding customers of distancing guidelines.

Security officers, in high visibility vests, are also monitoring the centre, together with supporting local police to enforce social distancing requirements as appropriate.

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