THE first week of post-lockdown trading at Poole's Dolphin Shopping Centre has seen 33 non-essential retailers reopening.

Businesses have reported a steady number of visitors to the centre since lockdown measures were relaxed for retail on Monday.

But the shopping experience is not as it was before the pandemic – with a range of new health and safety measures in place including a one-way walking system and contactless had sanitiser stations positioned throughout the centre.

Centre manager John Grinnell said: "I am really impressed with how well the shoppers have adapted to the measures we have put in place throughout the centre.

"Our one-way walking system is working well to direct the flow of shoppers and our floor markings are helping shoppers to maintain the two-metre social distancing rules."

“We saw some queues on Monday morning ahead of reopening but queuing has reduced throughout the week to much lower levels, and shoppers now rarely need to queue to get into the centre or individual stores."

An enhanced and cleaning routine, focussing on frequent touch points, is also being carried out daily.

The centre has adapted its layout to reflect social distancing measures, removing temporary commercial units to ensure adequate space for consumers to shop safely. Social distancing floor markers have been put in place to remind shoppers to keep a two-metre distance from one another.

In addition to Dolphin staff, each retailer also has a dedicated team member at their entrance to manage the number of shoppers inside.

Mr Grinnell said: “I am very proud of our centre staff, all our retailers and our customers for how well they have worked together to make and keep Dolphin a safe and enjoyable shopping experience through this crisis, and am very pleased to be welcoming shoppers back to the centre.”

Meanwhile, Vicki Jesson, manager of Marks and Spencer said: “There is really clear messaging around the centre – it’s positive and welcoming with a big focus on safety.

"It has been busier in the centre over the past week but at no point has it felt overcrowded.”

The Dolphin Shopping Centre is open Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 6.30pm, and Sundays from 10am to 5.30pm.

Elderly and vulnerable customers are encouraged to shop between the hours of 9=10am, whilst NHS and key workers will be given priority between 4.30-5.30pm.

Each retailers’ specific opening times are available on their website.