thursday, july 2, 2020 at 11:55
-Propos collected by Bassma Rayadi-
Rabat – As part of the transition to the 2nd phase of the plan to reduce sanitary confinement, giving rise to the resumption of commercial activities in shopping centers, large shopping complexes and galleries, according to predefined conditions, Anas El Ghali, Director General of “Arribat Center”, returns in an interview to the MAP on all the prevention measures taken by the shopping center to ensure a safe recovery.
1- What were the repercussions of the covid-19 crisis on shopping centers?
The state of health emergency which was decreed by the authorities because of the Covid-19 crisis led to the closure of the shops in the shopping centers with the exception of the areas deemed essential which remained operational for the duration of the confinement ( hypermarket, pharmacy, banks and telephone operators…).
The impact for all the shopping center brands would be considerable since the turnover usually generated fell after a three-month closure, but we intend to overcome this deterioration through a recovery and support plan for all the brands in the center.
2- How did you prepare for the resumption of “Arribat Center” activities (health, safety and employee awareness)?
Throughout the confinement period, the Arribat Center teams took care to maintain optimal operating conditions in order to accommodate customers and lessees in accordance with sanitary provisions. Thus, a guide to procedures and conditions for the redevelopment of stores and common parts of the shopping center was prepared and shared with all of our customers and service providers.
In addition, “Arribat Center” has made a significant investment to provide our customers with a secure and pleasant journey, including management of access and incoming and outgoing flows, taking temperature on all access, installation prevention tools (gel dispensers, disinfectant mats, signage, broadcasting of audio messages, etc.). Regular and daily disinfection operations have also been deployed and are maintained to ensure the safety of visitors and employees of the shopping center.
Lastly, an awareness-raising system for employees, service providers and employees of the shopping center has also been deployed concerning compliance with acts of distancing, wearing a mask and the measures recommended in the context of managing the resumption of activity .
3- What plans for a revival of the activities of the mall without risk?
During the entire containment period, “Arribat Center” exchanged with its partners in order to implement a recovery plan. This consisted of:
– closely monitor the implementation of the various health measures with lessees and providers.
– support all of the banners by Arribat Center taking over the rents due during the entire period when the shopping center is closed.
– launch a communication and marketing campaign to reassure visitors on the various channels (digital press, radio, urban display, etc.).
– enrich the shopping center’s offer with the opening of around 10 new brands within the Arribat Center, including a new international locomotive for its first store in Rabat.
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