Premier Investments has outlined three key steps it believes needs to be implemented to allow a safe return to shopping in NSW.
With NSW set to ease restrictions when it reaches 70% fully vaccinated - as of September 27 the state was sitting at 61.4% fully vaxxed - including allowing retailers to open to under the one person per 4sqm rule, Premier has outlined steps to reopening.
The retailer suggests the following three measures need to be introduced:
- Clear government guidelines on mandatory check-in, vaccination passport checks and temperature checks (as the NSW Government has announced that only staff and shoppers fully vaccinated can attend shopping centres)
- Landlord responsibility for insuring safe and orderly entry and exit to shopping centres with all entry points staffed with adequate security and customer service to ensure swift and compliant admission to the centre
- A shared responsibility between landlords and retailers for funding the additional security and community health measures
Premier Investments chairman Solomon Lew said that the plan could serve as a national blueprint for the reopening of retail in states that are in lockdown.
"A standardised set of measures applied consistently across centres will provide much needed confidence for customers and retail employees as well as certainty for landlords and retailers.
"It’s no use having a patchwork of guidelines by state or by store.
"In a shopping mall context, it is far more practical and efficient for the health and safety measures to be established and administered by landlords at shopping centre entrances rather than the individual store.
"In Premier’s view, these additional necessary measures for shopping centres should be mandated by State Governments and jointly funded by retailers and landlords," he said.
Throughout the pandemic, retailers with a national footprint have had to manage differing restrictions and rules across the states.
A national approach to retail reopening in shopping centres would likely be welcomed by the industry at large.
Meanwhile, retailers are also currently navigating their vaccination strategies.
Lew added that the industry needs to work quickly to ensure the reopening of retail can happen as smoothly as possible.
"We call on State Governments to act urgently.
"The Delta variant has demonstrated that it does not wait, therefore landlords and retailers need to get to work quickly.
"Premier itself has seven brands, 869 stores and thousands of staff to protect.
"With NSW on track to reopen retail on 11 October, it should take the lead on establishing a process that others can follow.
"NSW Government guidelines currently indicate that from 11 October only those community members who are fully vaccinated can attend shopping centres to work or shop.
"Time is of the essence – we urge NSW to act quickly so we can work closely with our landlord partners to ensure we have the safest possible environment for our people and customers, while supporting a stronger recovery.
"In the absence of clear Government guidelines, we will be asking landlords to set a consistent protocol across their centres, but this will inevitably cause challenges.
"A consistent mandate from Government is critical to smooth implementation of COVIDsafe protocols and a safe and healthy community," he said.
Premier Retail operates brands including Portmans, Jacqui E, Jay Jays and Just Jeans.