The Mall Blackburn is extending its opening hours to support retailers and give shoppers more time to get everything they need for Christmas.
It will reopen on Wednesday 2nd December and stores will be able to operate from 8am-8pm every day, excluding Sundays, until Wednesday 23rd December. On Christmas eve the centre will be open from 8.00am until 4.30pm.
The extended opening hours will mean that people can shop at a time that is convenient for them and allow The Mall to manage shopper numbers to keep everyone safe.
It will reinstate its traffic light system on its social media pages and the website so customers can make decision on when they feel most comfortable to shop.
All the safety measures remain in place including a keep left system, mandatory wearing face coverings for staff and visitors (unless exempt), increased cleaning and hygiene, hand sanitisation points across the shopping centre and reduced capacity.
Food and beverage retailers are awaiting further guidance on how they are able to operate, depending on which tier the town is placed in on Thursday 26th November.
The Mall’s usual magical Santa’s grotto will not take place this year, but plans are underway to bring some festive cheer. More information will be released soon.
Loraine Jones, General Manager at The Mall Blackburn, said: “This year has been extremely tough for the people of Lancashire and we have been unable to do much of what we would normally do.
“Retail has been hit hard by restrictions and my team have worked tirelessly to make the shopping centre a safe environment to shop.
“We have taken the decision to extend our opening hours, as have many other shopping centres and stores across the country, not only to support our wonderful retailers but also to give everyone that experience of being able to enjoy some Christmas shopping.
“It also means that people can make their own choices as to when they want to visit and we will keep everyone up to date with the capacity in the centre so if someone does want to shop when it is perhaps a quieter period then they can.
“Christmas is always one of our favourite times of the year and we are hugely disappointed that we aren’t able to provide a Christmas grotto, but our priority must be the safety of our shoppers, retailers and staff.
“We will be bringing some festive cheer with a socially distanced activity and we will be releasing more details soon.”
