Breaking News: Shopping Malls Reopening! After more than a month of closures across Turkey due to the fight against the coronavirus, shopping malls that were closed are now set to reopen for public use. Hüseyin Altaş, President of the Association of Shopping Centers and Investors, announced that malls are preparing to reopen in a controlled manner between 8 and 15 May 2020. He emphasized that the aim of reopening is not profit, but to gradually return life to a more normal routine.
In his statement, Hüseyin Altaş explained that shopping centers closed in the second half of March 2020 because of the coronavirus are preparing to reopen to the public under controlled conditions. Altaş said that shopping centers across Turkey will reopen in stages between 8 and 15 May 2020. He noted that countries such as Italy, Spain and Germany have also reopened malls progressively. He reiterated that the goal is not revenue, but to take steps toward normalization of daily life.
Malls Will Start Reopening First in Smaller Provinces
Malls Will Start Reopening First in Smaller Provinces. President Altaş said that cinemas, food courts and children’s play areas will open at a later date, and that initial reopenings will be limited to general retail areas. He stressed that rules and hygiene standards will be closely monitored during this process. Mask distribution and enforcement of physical distancing will be implemented. Customer entry will be regulated at intervals in shopping centers.
Altaş pointed out that currently about 80% of malls remain effectively closed. Even when the mall is technically open, many stores remain shut by retailers, so they are effectively closed. He said the reopening decision could first be tested in smaller provinces where case numbers are lower. In those areas they will act in coordination with public authorities, following recommendations from the Scientific Advisory Board and other official guidance.
Separately, Sinan Öncel, President of the United Brands Association, said they are awaiting decisions from the Ministry of Health and the Scientific Advisory Board, and then guidance from the Ministry of Treasury and Finance. He emphasized that reopening conditions must be suitable for them, strict measures are needed for hygiene and social distancing, and that in small stores a new customer should not enter until the previous customer has left.