Beloved independent shopping institution Afflecks will reopen to the public on Saturday 20th June.
From Tuesday 23rd June, the emporium will then operate five days a week from Tuesday – Friday, 10.30am -6.00pm, and Saturday 10am – 6:00pm.
Over fifty traders from the eclectic Afflecks family of independent businesses will be trading across all four floors under COVID-19 safety guidelines.
The COVID-19 crisis has presented an incredibly challenging time for the dozens of small, creative enterprises in the building. Having been closed since March, many have been trading online and have kept the spirit of Afflecks alive via their social media accounts.
However, a forced closure has had a huge impact on their businesses and the retailers are delighted to be able to welcome their customers into the building again with the support of the owners of Afflecks, Bruntwood Works.
Like all retailers, the shopping experience around Afflecks will look a little bit different, but the indoor market’s tradition of being a safe space for everyone will remain at the heart and soul of the experience. Some of the new measures in place at Afflecks will include:
2M SOCIAL DISTANCING: Across the building.
AN INCREASED CLEANING SCHEDULE: Of all areas with a particular focus on touchpoints.
HAND SANITISER: Stations at entrance and exit points.
ONE WAY SYSTEM: In certain common areas of the building.
REDUCED CAPACITY: Allowing for social distancing across the site.
COVID-SAFE TRADERS All traders have completed COVID-safe risk assessment and will be operating their own individual COVID-SAFE measures.
ATM AND GAMES MACHINES: Not in operation.
LIFT CLOSURES The lifts will be closed except for requested access only.
NEW ENTRANCE AND EXITS PROCESS:
Entrance-only via Church Street.
Managed entrance and exit via Oldham Street.
Tib Street entrance will be closed.
The Afflecks team and all of the traders have worked incredibly hard to ensure that the centre is a safe place to be whilst still allowing customers to enjoy the unique spirit of Afflecks.
Whether that’s appreciating the incredible public art; individual vintage finds; a warm welcome from a trader or that handmade piece you can’t get anywhere else; the re-opening of Afflecks presents an opportunity to support local, independent retail at its very best.
Andrea George, Director of Retail at Bruntwood Works commented: “We’re delighted to be able to support our Afflecks family back to the building. We’ve worked very hard, together with all the traders, to create a safe and sustainable independent shopping experience. We recognise how hard hit small businesses have been by this crisis and we’re committed to ensuring that the independent retail remains at the heart and soul of the high street as shops begin to reopen”
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