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Richmond shopping centres (left to right) McArthurGlen, Aberdeen and Lansdowne.

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Richmond malls recovering from pandemic

By Hannah Scott, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Published 4:30 PDT, Fri June 5, 2020

Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

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Richmond’s major malls are welcoming customers with enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures.

Although never fully closed, new protocols allow more stores to open during BC’s second phase of COVID-19 recovery.

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Lansdowne Centre

“A number of our stores remained open, like our grocery and service providers, with physical distancing and enhanced safety measures in place,” says marketing manager Bronwyn Bailey. “Many of our restaurants also provided take-out and delivery.

There are new hand sanitizer stations throughout the mall, and cleaning is happening more frequently. High traffic areas and high touch points—like doors and washroom surfaces—are especially important.

The mall is currently open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and deep cleaning is taking place overnight.

“Seating in the food court has been adjusted to encourage physical distancing,” says Bailey. “We’ve also designated single-direction foot traffic through mall entrances and corridors.”

A new parking lot pickup program, to be launched soon, allows participating stores to offer a contactless shopping option. Customers can contact stores directly and arrange delivery to their vehicles.

For more information, check online.

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Aberdeen Centre

Major tenants like H-Mart and Oomomo meant the mall remained open even during the height of pandemic restrictions.

At Oomomo, “customers have to line up (and take their) temperature before going into the shop,” says spokesperson Tiffany Ho.

The store is about 25,000 square feet, so 80 customers are allowed in at a time. For smaller stores, the number is lower.

“We put markings outside the store to let customers know they have to line up two metres apart,” says Ho. “I’m seeing most (stores) have a plexiglass screen be installed for the cashier counter.”

The food court remained open for take-out only, but recently the seating area partially re-opened. There is a one-way entry and exit system, indicated with signage.

“On June 1, pretty much 80 per cent (of stores) are open. On June 8, over 90 per cent will be open,” says Ho.

Mall traffic is increasing as more stores open, but the continued closure of Fisherman’s Terrace seafood restaurant means lower customer numbers.

“I just talked to them and they’re regrouping their crew, especially the kitchen (staff), and they plan to open as soon as they can,” says Ho.

For more information, visit their website.

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McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport

Increased sanitizing procedures have been adopted throughout the centre, and retailers are encouraged to follow the same protocols. Public areas, washrooms and other high-touch locations are cleaned more frequently, and people are encouraged to use hand sanitizer.

Luggage lockers, child play areas and drinking fountains remain closed. In washrooms, every other sink and urinal is closed to encourage physical distancing, and posted signage encourages good hygiene.

Signage throughout the mall encourages physical distancing. Shoppers waiting in lines outside stores will be reminded to stay two metres from other customers.

“We've been delighted to be able to welcome shoppers back to the centre, and have had a positive response from our customers as our first brand partners have begun to open their stores,” said a representative.

Stores currently open include Aritzia—which welcomed customers for the first time yesterday—Nike, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Roots and Banana Republic. Other stores are working towards reopening, so check online for a complete and updated list.

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Representatives for Richmond Centre had not replied to inquiries at the time of publication.