Malls in Amritsar open to lukewarm response

Neeraj Bagga

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 8

There was a listless response of customers on the opening of malls and hotels in the city here today. Some of the customers who visited the mall were the ones who were in need of branded items. Operators of hotels and malls opine that the footfall will gradually improve with rise in the confidence of people.

A customer, Davinder Singh, said he was to buy some summer apparels of particular brands. The customers were cautious and extremely self aware when they entered the malls. The customers did appreciate the safety measures which were in place for them and fully cooperated with us to abide by the social distancing norms.

Malls remained opened from 10 am to 7 pm. Mall of Amritsar opened its doors to public on the June 8 as per the notification issued by the administration. Col Mandeep Singh, Central Director of Mall of Amritsar said they were absolutely thrilled to welcome all visitors whilst ensuring strict implementation of social distancing norms.

So they joined hands with Bureau Veritas, one of the most prestigious certification organisations in the world to implement a unique ‘Safety First’ initiative to reassure customers on the implementation of stringent SOPs released by the Shopping Centres Association of India. Bureau Veritas will reassure and verify the detailing of protocols and measures to optimise hygiene, the disinfection of facilities and the most important operational processes followed at Mall of Amritsar. “We anticipate that the re-opening would be a gradual process as standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are being adhered to,” he observed.

“We opened today with over 75 stores and saw that only those shoppers who wanted something specific came to the mall,” he commented.

As per the government guidelines, food courts remained shut for dining in, but home delivery options and take away facilities were introduced through various apps.

Putting in similar efforts retail outlets inside these malls ramped up their manpower ensuring that all prescribed protocols for safety and social distancing are adhered to.

Sumeet Taneja, General Manager of Taj Swarna hotel said the hotel was opened today. He said, “Taj Swarna is taking reservations from today onwards as per the directives of the government and guidelines of the local authorities. Taj Swarna has implemented additional stringent hygiene and safety protocols across all customer-touch points, from pre-arrival to check-out.