#SUPPORTLOCAL: Wigan shops prepare to resume trading

The town centre is preparing for major step-up in trade on Monday, the day the Government has said non-essential shops can return to work.

Plenty of changes have had to be made to ensure that retailers comply with the ongoing social distancing requirements.

But the message from businesses in Wigan town centre is that they are looking forward to welcoming their customers through the door once more.

Shoppers at all the major retail locations will have to follow one-way systems and keep two metres apart and there will be hand sanitiser for residents to use.

Queuing systems for stores will be in place, toilets will be shut and contactless payments encouraged.

Bosses hope Wiganers will support the town centre but stick to the new regulations.

Grand Arcade centre manager John Sanson said: “The team at Grand Arcade has been working hard behind the scenes to ensure staff and shoppers feel safe when visiting the centre but also ensuring it will be an enjoyable experience.

“We are asking shoppers to follow the directional and helpful signage which we have in place around the centre.

“Now is the time for everyone to start supporting their town, high street retailers and local economy in a safe way.

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming new and regular customers back to Grand Arcade.

“Please be kind to our staff, we are here to help you and ask that you follow any guidance they may be offering.”

The Galleries has also been making a raft of changes, including hourly disinfecting of touch points.

Centre manager Simon Tucker said: “We are really pleased to be welcoming customers back into the shopping centre and our absolute priority is to provide a safe environment.

“These are unprecedented times and we have to ask for patience when it comes to shopping, particularly in the first few weeks while everyone adapts to these new measures.”

It is not known how many stores will re-open on Monday, with a return to full trading likely to be staggered over around a week or so.

The indoor market is also re-opening in the first part of a phased return to be completed by July 4.

Wigan Council leader Coun David Molyneux said: “Reopening our market halls is a positive step forward in the recovery of our local economy amid the coronavirus pandemic and we have been in contact with our traders over recent weeks to discuss how to do this together safely.

“Public safety remains our highest priority and we will closely monitor the halls and local businesses to ensure compliance with the necessary measures.”

Elsewhere in the borough, Sunshine House community centre, in Scholes, has been encouraging residents to show some support for local businesses as they prepare to safely reopen.

An “I Spy” competition was run on the centre’s Facebook page. Wiganers were shown close up pictures of notable landmarks across the town, and had to post their guesses in the comments.

Those who answered the most correctly were rewarded with vouchers and gift cards to use at several businesses, such as restaurants and shops, once they have reopened. It is hoped that the incentive will increase footfall and provide a spending boost for businesses that have had no income for more than two months.

Today, we are launching our #shoplocal campaign to support the independent businesses across Wigan that will need a spending boost the most. And if you are a local business owner, we want to hear from you about your plans to safely resume trading. Email [email protected] marking your subject field #supportlocal - thanks