Julian visits York Designer Outer ahead of re-opening of non-essential retail
June 14, 2020
Ahead of the reopening of non-essential retail next week, Julian Sturdy, Member of Parliament for York Outer, visited the York Designer Outlet to see how they plan to safely welcome back customers. Julian was given a tour by Centre Manager Paul Tyler who outlined the changes that have been made to adapt to the ‘new normal’, which included only allowing access through two entrances, having dedicated staff managing customer numbers, and installing hand sanitiser throughout the shopping centre.
Julian was pleased to see the majority of stores making preparations to reopen and a selection of food outlets ready to offer takeaway services to shoppers. While shops are opening in line with the latest Public Health England guidance, Julian was optimistic that the York Designer Outlet was ready to safely adjust to any change in social distancing measures to allow shops to serve even more customers.
On Monday June 15, all shops will be allowed to reopen as part of the Government’s three stage plan to ease lockdown measures. Businesses have been issued guidance from the Government on how to safely reopen and make adaptions to comply with social distancing measures.
Speaking after his visit to York Designer Outlet, Julian
said:
“It is great to see all the steps York Designer Outlet are taking to boost
consumer confidence and encourage the safe return of customers. 1 in 8 retail
jobs with York are based at the York Designer Outlet so it is crucial for our
city’s economy that retail business based here reopen, recover and thrive going
forward.
I have been continually impressed by the entrepreneurial spirit displayed by businesses in York who have adapted practices to allow for the safe continuation of trading for staff and customers, and I am sure that the non-essential retail sector will be no exception when they reopen next week.
I hope that local residents will support the return of many fantastic local businesses next week while continuing to comply with Government safety guidance.”
