Thousands flock to Scarborough's Brunswick Shopping Centre as retailers reopen

By 11am today, Brunswick Shopping Centre had already welcomed 4,000 people through its doors.

There were queues outside Debenhams which has opened for its final 70 per cent off clearance sale before it closes for good.

Brunswick Manager Sue Anderson Brown said she and her team had pre-empted the queues and put a host of safety measures in place.

“All of our plans and safety measures are coming to fruition,” she said.

“We’ve been through this reopening process before but that doesn’t mean we’re complacent.

“We’ve got extra security and housekeepers in.

“Customers are being very respectful. Everyone is in a good mood.”

The shopping centre has been decorated with colourful streamers in tribute to the NHS but no music is being played as a mark of respect to the Duke of Edinburgh.

There have also been queues outside Matalan on St Thomas Street as shoppers waited to browse.

Manager Bev Nunn said: “It’s very busy. People were queuing to come in.

“We’re really pleased to be open again. It’s like Christmas Day!”

Shops classified as “non-essential” by the Government were told they must shut at the start of January amidst rising coronavirus rates across the country.

It was the third time in less than a year they had been told they had to close.

All retailers have been told they can re-open from today.

Social distancing measures should still be adhered to and face coverings must be worn inside shops.