STAGE 2 of the roadmap out of lockdown – April 12 – is fast approaching and with it the re-opening of all retail, including of course, Touchwood Shopping Centre.
The Solihull Observer met up with Touchwood marketing manager Emily Dann and tireless Solihull campaigner and Miss International Solihull Jessica Ford at the region’s number one shopping destination as it prepares for next Monday.
“We approach the next few months with cautious optimism, could this really be the last lockdown? We think it could,” said Emily.
“Touchwood is not emerging unscathed but we’re still in pretty good shape.
“Sadly, we have lost ten stores and restaurants but gained three. We have also signed terms with five more and have several projects in negotiation.
“We do not know who else we might lose but overall store occupancy could recover by year end which can only be seen as a triumph.”
One key success has been the rate the centre has agreed deals with independent hospitality venues to replace outgoing, overstretched dining chains, giving customers more reasons to visit Touchwood rather than elsewhere.
The re-opening of Cineworld is also in the pipeline and hopes are high for the four-lane bowling centre and cocktail bar to come on stream.
“As always, at Touchwood our top priority is the safety of our guests and our many employees and we do everything possible to ensure the highest standard of hygiene,” said Emily.
“We want your shopping experience to be as safe and stress-free as possible so we continue to operate a host of measures including essential mask wearing, two metre distancing, increased cleaning and a one-way system.
“We have also introduced a Covid secure tracker on our website so you can see how busy the centre is when planning your visit.
“Over the past year we have very much missed welcoming our guests into the centre and can’t wait to see them back! Here is to hoping this is a better year for all of us!”
For further information, visit www.touchwoodsolihull.co.uk.
