On Wednesday, the big shopping centers in Rīga came alive. Everyone, from managers to cashiers, was sweeping shelves, washing the floor, cleaning dust and disinfecting shopping baskets.
The shop “Douglas” vendor, Lāsma Kudiņa, said: “Such a pleasant thrill. We've been waiting for that moment for so long. (..) The dust piled up on the shelves, those are minor tasks."
The shop's salespeople say there hasn't been just downtime. Sales continued on the Internet, and later in tents outside the supermarket. “We went to help the e-shop, then the street market was open,” Kudiņa said.
Three clothing collections have changed in clothing shops since the supermarkets were closed shortly before Christmas. Throughout the downtime months, stores didn't lose hope. First put out the winter collection, then changed to spring. Now the summer clothes are hurriedly hung out.
“Everything is prepared – both control mechanisms and sellers. Today we are refreshing knowledge, because for about half a year no salesperson has worked,” said Ilga Aleksāne, manager of the Lindex store.
In each store, the number of customers will be determined in accordance with its area and controlled with a certain number of baskets or shopping bags. Epidemiological safety in the mall will be ensured by security guards who will stop people from entering the building if the maximum number of customers has been reached.
Some stores in big malls will be ready for work already Wednesday evening. Other doors will be opened Thursday.
