MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Amidst this pandemic, people can’t help but fear about their safety while outside their homes. Robinsons Malls announced it will be tripling its efforts in safeguarding the health and welfare of its customers and employees.
As more provinces and cities ease into general community quarantine (GCQ) from the much stricter enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the national government gives the green light for the regulated operation of some major retailers.
On May 16, the Gokongwei-led mall operator will reopen its doors to continuously serve the needs of the public while following the protocols of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases and ensuring the safety of its customers, employees, and tenant partners.
Despite COVID-19’s massive impact on businesses, customer safety remains the company’s top priority, said Robinsons Malls Senior Vice President & General Manager Arlene Magtibay.
“We want to make sure that anyone visiting and working in our malls would feel safe and well taken care of,” she said.
A handful of adjustments — both major and minor — are inevitable as the public slowly adapts to the new normal. According to Magtibay, the company has been preparing for these changes, believing that “anything is achievable with patience and cooperation.”
Magtibay also said Robinsons Malls would like to “somehow ease people’s worries about the public health situation by applying a holistic approach in combating the spread of the virus within its malls.”
360-degree measures
On top of the “no face mask, no entry” policy and required temperature screening at mall entrances, the number of customers allowed inside stores, restrooms, and elevators will be limited to regulate foot traffic.
Magtibay said roving mall security guards will be present within the mall premises to perpetually implement social distancing. Signages, posters, and foot markers are also set up in key areas to remind customers of proper queuing and safe spacing.
“As much as we want you to maximize your mall visits, we are pausing our free Wi-Fi connections and limiting air-conditioning following IATF’s directives,” she added.
Mall-goers are also required to follow the 3-step gap rule when using escalators and stand on marked areas when riding elevators.
Escalator handrail sterilizers, elevator diffusers, antiseptic bottles and dispensers, and entrance foot baths are installed to disinfect hands, footwear, and high-contact areas inside the shopping centers. “A Sanitation Team has been created to ensure every nook and cranny is sanitized,” the SVP said, noting that disinfection will be done every hour.
Services to your doorstep
With their customers’ health and ultimate convenience in mind, Robinsons Malls collaborated with delivery service platforms such as MyKuya and Mober, along with other delivery aggregators to guarantee consumers a seamless virtual shopping experience while consumers are staying safe in their homes.
“We understand that not everyone is comfortable with leaving the sanctuary of their homes even with the transitioning to GCQ or Modified ECQ. Our delivery service platforms are readily available to them,” Magtibay said.
Robinsons Malls is aiming to go above and beyond to provide its customers with as many shopping options as possible, bringing the mall to their homes and seeking connections to ease their worries. Shop with Robinsons virtually or visit their malls as they reopen their doors on May 16.
