Meadowhall’s iconic dome was illuminated Red this week to mark the start of the Christmas period
In line with Government guidance for Tier 3 areas, non-essential stores will be welcoming shoppers once again, while cafes and restaurants will remain closed with some offering a takeaway or delivery service.
To help keep visitors safe, the centre has a one way ‘keep left’ system, hand sanitising stations and enhanced cleaning regimes in place. All visitors must wear a face-covering unless exempt for medical reasons.
The Meadowhall team will continue to carefully manage visitor numbers, using its digital footfall tracking system, to ensure that everyone can maintain social distancing. If the centre becomes particularly busy, visitors may be asked to queue considerately in a designated area outside, and car parks may also temporarily close.
Throughout December stores will be open from 10am to 9pm Monday to Saturday, and 10:30am – 5:30pm on Sunday, with many extending their hours to open earlier and close later.
Some retailers, such as Boots, Next and Primark, have extended their opening hours in December to help provide a safer shopper experience.
Darren Pearce, centre director at Meadowhall, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Meadowhall later this week.
“We know Christmas is going to be very different this year and so we’re doing everything we can to help everyone enjoy a safe shopping experience this festive season.”
As part of the centre’s Christmas preparations, Meadowhall has switched on its Christmas lights and will also be hosting an Artisan Market.
The Independent Yorkshire Shop will also be returning this week, offering a wide range of unique gifts and handmade products from across the region.
Two new gift card kiosks are now in place, and can be found at customer services on the Upper Level next to the Dome and the Sessions area on Park Lane.
For more information about planning a trip to Meadowhall, please visit: https://www.meadowhall.co.uk/christmas/planning-your-visit
Meadowhall has shared these tips to help everyone to have a safe and enjoyable visit in the run up to Christmas:
- Plan ahead and visit during quieter periods if you can
Meadowhall will be closely managing visitor numbers to ensure everyone can maintain social distancing, and visitors may be asked to queue in a designated area outside during busier periods.
The entrances with covered queuing areas are the main dome entrance (Red and Yellow car parks) and the M&S entrance (Pink car park). Car parks may also temporarily close if both the centre and queuing systems reach capacity.
It’s a good idea to try to visit outside of peak times if you can, as this will help to reduce queuing times. Quieter periods are usually after 6pm Monday – Friday. These are of course subject to change, so please double check the website before you set off: www.meadowhall.co.uk/christmas/quiet-times
- Follow the safety measures in place and don’t forget your face covering
Meadowhall is continuing to ask visitors to stay safe while doing their Christmas shopping, this includes wearing a face covering at all times, unless you are exempt for medical reasons.
It’s also important to keep a safe distance from others and to follow the centre’s one-way ‘keep left’ system, as well as using the hand sanitising stations. Look out for signage when you arrive and chat to the centre’s customer service or security teams if you need support.
To make it easy for visitors, Meadowhall sells a range of face coverings in partnership with Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Bluebell Wood and Western Park. The colourful collection, which features animal prints and spaceships, is available from the customer service desks for £4 each or three for £10, with all proceeds going to the charities.
- Consider click-and-collect or Collect+
Many of our retailers offer a click-and-collect service, meaning that you can place your order in advance and collect at a time to suit you. The full list of retailers providing this service can be found here: www.meadowhall.co.uk/eatdrinkshop/now-open
Collect+ is located on Lower High Street, outside Wilko, and takes all the hassle out of receiving or returning items, without queuing in-store. Visitors can pick up or drop off their Collect+ item anytime within Meadowhall’s opening hours.
- Pick up takeaway food at the end of your visit
While our cafes, restaurants and bars remain closed, some are offering a takeaway or delivery service. Please remember to pick up any food and drink at the end of your visit so you can take it home to enjoy, as Government guidelines restrict the consumption of food and drink while still at Meadowhall.
Meadowhall also highlighted their support for World Aids Day earlier this week with a post on Facebook “We’re proud to light up our iconic dome red for #WorldAIDSDay today.”
