David Jones, Big W, Apple among stores to open at Highpoint shopping centre

Hordes of customers are eagerly flocking to Highpoint as shops reopen, but in their rush for a retail fix many are forgetting social distancing rules — leaving some workers fearing for their health.

Crowds of people are flocking to Highpoint as more stores reopen.

Shoppers have flocked back to Highpoint as more stores reopen.

But the influx in crowds has some workers worried for their safety as people ignore social distancing rules.

Traffic at the popular shopping centre has significantly increased over the past few days as more and more people become relaxed with social distancing requirements.

David Jones is open with plenty of signage in place.

Leader visited the centre on Friday morning and witnessed crowds of shoppers at many of the stores, some of which reopened this week.

Big W, Telstra, Apple, David Jones, JB Hi-Fi, Priceline and Cotton On are just a few of the stores operating in the centre.

Myer, Country Road, Zara and Sephora are among those that have chosen to keep their doors shut.

Apple had a long queue of customers waiting to enter the store.

The line extended several stores down.

Vodafone employee Lucy Schaeche-Priestley, whose store has remained open during the lockdown, said she had noticed a big increase in traffic.

“It’s literally doubled over the past few days,” she said.

Although closed, Myer was still providing click and collect.

The retail worker said protective measures at her store had relaxed.

“We previously were asking questions about people’s health before we even thought about serving them, and we’ve eased up on that,” said Ms Schaeche-Priestley.

Craigieburn shopper Chris Ruschin said she was very concerned about the lack of social distancing at the centre.

“I really believe the pandemic is real, there’s no protection for any of us here – the safest thing is to just be at home,” she said.

“There are a lot of people who aren’t wary and that worries me because it’s very serious.”

Seating areas in the centre were blocked off with tape.

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She said it was her first time at the centre in months.

“I’m trying to buy a phone, I had a look online but I wasn’t going to spend that much money without seeing it,” said Ms Ruschin.

Highpoint was contacted for comment but did not respond before the deadline.