Horsham shoppers urged to be ‘understanding and kind’ ahead of town centre reopening

Horsham shoppers are being urged to be ‘understanding and kind’ as non-essential shops reopen for the first time in months.
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Swan Walk shopping centre manager Gill Buchanan said shoppers should expect a different experience when non-essential stores reopen on Monday June 15.

Between 55 and 60 per cent of stores in the centre are expected to reopen on Monday.

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Swan Walk, which has remained open throughout lockdown, has put in place various measures to keep customers safe including signage, a one way system and extra cleaning.

DM151127a.jpg. Manager Gill Buchanan. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150408-224643008DM151127a.jpg. Manager Gill Buchanan. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150408-224643008
DM151127a.jpg. Manager Gill Buchanan. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150408-224643008

She added: “We’re absolutely ready to welcome people back but we want people to recognise currently a very different experience to what it has been previously.

“We’re delighted to have you back but please look at floor markings, work with our retailers.

“Plan more time for your trip because it’s likely you might have to wait outside a shop you want to go into.”

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Individual shops as well as the shopping centre as a whole will have to control customer numbers, according to Gill.

She said: “There may be situations where people will have to even wait outside the shopping centre. We have to also adhere to government guidelines.”

Gill urged customers to visit the centre alone if possible and to aim to shop during quieter periods to make social distancing as easy as possible.

She added: “We’re doing all we can to keep them safe and welcome.

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“We will do absolutely our best to get their shopping trip through as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

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