How have shopping malls been affected?

Most shopping centres in the Edmonton area initially reduced operating hours, increased cleaning and sanitization practices, and had some retailers and restaurants shut down as a result of the pandemic. Further restrictions imposed by the Government of Alberta made that situation untenable and as of March 28, shopping malls closed to the public completely except for access to essential services.

As of May 14, shopping malls were able to reopen as part of Stage 1 of the provincial government's relaunch plan. 

"Retailers are opening their doors based on their own procedures and guidelines. To see which stores are currently open, please visit the mall directory. Each retailer will be indicated as temporarily closed if they are not available for public retail shopping. Some retailers are doing shopping by appointment and/or curbside pick up. Currently no attractions are open to the public at this time," says a West Edmonton Mall update. 

The relaunch was welcome news for businesses, who were already struggling prior to the pandemic. 

“This was a really bad time for this to happen to the retail industry in Canada because we were already seeing a slowdown,” said Craig Patterson, a director of the University of Alberta’s school of retail.

ATB's The Owl said Alberta’s retail sector was off to a good start in January with a 2.1% increase over the previous year. While some retailers like grocery stores may see a spike in sales, others may not survive the pandemic.

Here's where you can find up-to-date COVID-19 information from Edmonton's shopping centres:

• West Edmonton Mall
• Edmonton City Centre
• Southgate Centre
• Kingsway Mall
• Londonderry Mall
• Premium Outlet Collection at EIA
• Mill Woods Town Centre