Delight and caution from Sunderland shopping bosses as non-essential stores reopen

Shoppers have been thanked for supporting Sunderland’s businesses as they flocked back to visit stores for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown began.
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Stores in the city centre including TK Maxx, Primark and Sports Direct saw people starting to queue from early in the morning, with a “steady” flow of visitors heading into the Bridges.

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These are the rules for shopping at The Bridges as Sunderland shopping centre se...

The scenes come as the Echo is running its #SupportLocal campaign urging shoppers to support local traders.

The Bridges reported a busy day of trade as more of its stores began to reopen.The Bridges reported a busy day of trade as more of its stores began to reopen.
The Bridges reported a busy day of trade as more of its stores began to reopen.
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However, although the opening of shops has been seen as a welcome return by city centre organisations, shoppers are still being advised to take note of the new rules.

Many shops have installed protective shields around their counters, with fitting rooms cordoned off, hand sanitiser supplied and waiting systems set up to keep the number of people inside stores to a minimum.

“We have had a steady stream of people come into the centre with certain stores being exceptionally busy,” said Duncan Allen, building and services director at the Bridges.

Signs, including this one on the ground in High Street West, have been put in place to remind people to keep their distance while out shopping.Signs, including this one on the ground in High Street West, have been put in place to remind people to keep their distance while out shopping.
Signs, including this one on the ground in High Street West, have been put in place to remind people to keep their distance while out shopping.
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People are getting used to the new one-way system yet and when our security team have pointed it out to them they have been very receptive and taken notice of the advice.”

Sharon Appleby, head of business operations at Sunderland BID, said the city centre had been busy and appealed to people to remember the new rules.

“We can understand that after months in lockdown people want to get out again and shop,” she said.

Sunderland BID staff were on hand to help people as they queued outside stores.Sunderland BID staff were on hand to help people as they queued outside stores.
Sunderland BID staff were on hand to help people as they queued outside stores.

“We are delighted that shoppers are coming to Sunderland to support their local retailers, which is the best way to help the local economy recover.

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“However we still want everyone to be mindful of the fact that COVID-19 hasn’t gone away and that it’s really important to remember the socially distancing rules so that everyone is safe and secure.”

Further store openings in the city will take place throughout the week, with Debenhams opening its doors on Wednesday, June 17.

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