Edinburgh shopping centres reopen as lockdown continues to ease

Shopping centres across Edinburgh are reopening today as part of the latest phase in Scotland’s lockdown easing strategy.
By Ilona Amos
Published 13th Jul 2020, 08:07 BST
Updated 13th Jul 2020, 13:35 BST
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Waverley Mall, Ocean Terminal, the Gyle Centre and Cameron Toll are all welcoming back customers, with special hygiene and distancing measures in place.

John Lewis department store and Livingston Designer Outlet are also back in action today for the first time since March.

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Most stores inside the shopping centres will be open, with the exception of restaurants, gyms and leisure facilities – although some eateries are operating takeaway services.

Shoppers queue outside Edinburgh's John Lewis as the department store reopened as lockdown restrictions in Scotland are further relaxedShoppers queue outside Edinburgh's John Lewis as the department store reopened as lockdown restrictions in Scotland are further relaxed
Shoppers queue outside Edinburgh's John Lewis as the department store reopened as lockdown restrictions in Scotland are further relaxed

Reduced trading hours will also be in operation at some sites, with Waverley Mall closing at 4pm daily and Livingston Designer Outlet at 5pm.

John Lewis will shut at 6pm daily, the Gyle at 8pm on weekdays and 6pm on weekends, Ocean Terminal at 8pm on weekdays, 7pm on Saturdays and 6pm on Sundays.

Safety measures include new signage to guide shoppers and assist with social distancing, one-way systems and specified entry and exit doors where possible.

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Hand sanitiser stations will also be available around the centres and in stores.

John Lewis and non-essential shops withing shopping centres across Edinburgh have opened their doors today for the first time since springJohn Lewis and non-essential shops withing shopping centres across Edinburgh have opened their doors today for the first time since spring
John Lewis and non-essential shops withing shopping centres across Edinburgh have opened their doors today for the first time since spring

Customers using lifts are being advised to use them individually or one household at a time.

Each retailer in the centres will have their own particular safety measures within their store, with many asking customers to queue before entry.

Shoppers are also being reminded to wear a face covering unless they are exempt.

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Retailers will have varying reduced opening hours, particularly in the initial phase of reopening.

Edinburgh's Ocean Terminal is today welcoming back customers as shopping centres across Scotland reopen as part of the third phase of lockdown easingEdinburgh's Ocean Terminal is today welcoming back customers as shopping centres across Scotland reopen as part of the third phase of lockdown easing
Edinburgh's Ocean Terminal is today welcoming back customers as shopping centres across Scotland reopen as part of the third phase of lockdown easing

Toilet facilities will be available but restrictions are in place at some sites.

Wheelchair, scooter hire and shop mobility services are currently not available but will be reinstated as soon as safely precautions allow.

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Staff at Ocean Terminal prepare to welcome customers for the first time since March as non-essential traders in shopping centres open upStaff at Ocean Terminal prepare to welcome customers for the first time since March as non-essential traders in shopping centres open up
Staff at Ocean Terminal prepare to welcome customers for the first time since March as non-essential traders in shopping centres open up

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Related topics:EdinburghScotlandJohn Lewis

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