MERRY Hill bosses say they doing everything they can to make sure the centre is a safe place to visit and work when non-essential retailers re-open from next week.

Non-essential shops will be opening their doors customers on Monday April 12, in line with latest government guidance.

Alongside the likes of Next, Primark and H&M, Merry Hill’s independent stores including TH Baker, All Good Things and Little Dessert Shop will be among stores re-opening to shoppers as lockdown measures lift.

Steve Hargreaves, operations manager at Merry Hill said: “We cannot wait to re-open the centre next week and we know many of our visitors are looking forward to planning their first shopping trip back at Merry Hill.

“As stores begin to reopen their doors next week, we want to reassure our local community that we will continue to do everything we can to make sure the centre is a safe place to visit and work.

“We’d also like to thank our hard-working teams and everyone else for their ongoing support in following the latest guidance.”

Kay Starkey, customer services manager at Merry Hill, added: “We’re busy preparing for the safe reopening of the centre and will provide regular updates to our visitors on what to expect throughout the Government’s roadmap to lifting restrictions.

“We’ll continue to ask that all visitors do their part in keeping everyone safe by wearing face coverings, following our one way marked routes and keeping their distance during their visit with us."

For the first time since Covid-19 restrictions were introduced, shoppers will be able to try on fashion items in-store, with changing rooms permitted to be open alongside new safety measures.

The shopping centre’s restaurants, including Five Guys, Nando’s and The Indian Tavern, that have offered takeaway or delivery services will continue to do so.

Merry Hill’s other bars and restaurants continue to prepare for re-opening dine-in facilities later this spring.

Shopping mall bosses have also promised a host of new brands and independent stores are set to open at the centre in the spring.

Information on opening dates and stores is expected to be revealed later this month.

In the meantime, here's a few tips on how to shop safely at Merry Hill when non essential retailers re-open.

(1) Plan your visit and make the most of the opening hours. The centre is busiest between 10.30am and 3pm, so shoppers are being asked to plan ahead and visit during quieter times where possible, such as on Sundays and early mornings and evenings on weekdays.

(2) Make the most of pre-booked services. Many retailers are offering a variety of options and appointments to book ahead for a variety of services including shoe fittings at Clarks and jewellery appointments at Goldsmiths, so check what’s on offer before visiting.

(3) Take notice of signs and markings at the centre and keep a safe distance from other shoppers and staff members. A one-way system continues to be in place and is indicated by markings on the floor.

(4) Check opening times and plan a shopping route. Individual stores may have slightly different opening times, so shoppers are advised to check these before setting off.

(5) Shoppers are urged to play their part by wearing a face covering when visiting the centre and sanitise hands at the sanitisation stations regularly, and be be respectful to other shoppers who may be exempt from wearing a face covering.

More information on which stores are open and when can be found online at merryhillcentre.co.uk.