As lockdown eased and non-essential retailers were able to reopen, strategic PR specialists Polymedia secured ITV Meridian to film shoppers being welcomed back to Festival Place in Basingstoke.
The shopping centre had only been partially open since March with essential shops such as supermarkets, banks and pharmacies open. On June 15th the vast majority of its other retailers opened their doors.
New signage has been placed around the top 20 UK shopping centre, including a one-way system and social distance queuing outside the stores.
Director Neil Churchill was interviewed and discussed how positive the day had been: “We are very excited to welcome back our customers – it has been a very strange time for us all. But our priority as always is the health and wellbeing of our customers and employees of Festival Place.
“The desire for retail is still evident. People still want that tangible, social aspect to it. The retail sector in UK is supported by its local communities and the public and through that we will get through this situation.”