Saskatoon shoppers flock to retail outlets on day one of Phase 2 of Re-Open Saskatchewan

The warm, sunny weather brought out Saskatoon shoppers by the droves Tuesday, May 19; the first day of Saskatchewan’s Phase 2 re-opening.

What were nearly vacant parking lots just a month ago – were once again packed, as vehicles circled like hawks; their owners ready to snatch up the perfect parking space if they could spot one.

Everything from electronics stores, home decor, party supplies and salons and barber shops were busy. Many people were ready to get rid of their COVID hair.

Saskatoon’s district manager for Tommy Guns, Taylor Davidson, said while getting her staff and stores prepared for opening today took some time – it seemed to be going well.

“The beginning was a little bit hectic, but we figured it out. We have some extra staff helping out at the front – making things go a little bit more smooth. And we have some scripts that we’re following to make sure everyone is following the proper protocols.”

Some of those protocols included all staff wearing face masks, goggles or glasses, customers not permitted to wait in the lounge area, and disinfecting each station after a haircut – then waiting 10 minutes to ensure sanitizers did their job. Bookings were taken either by app, telephone, or one customer at a time in-store. Calls were then made to each person, half an hour prior to their appointment.

Despite all of those added steps and precautions – Davidson said they were booked solid.

“It’s 10:30 in the morning, and we are booked right up until 9:30 tonight. So, we anticipate seeing this for the next two weeks at least.”

Staff she said weren’t nervous, nor did customers appear to be.

“I don’t find it nerve-wracking. I think everybody coming in, getting used to the masks, getting used to wearing glasses, getting used to wearing gloves. Overall I think customers and staff are cautious, not nervous.”

Stylist Janessa hadn’t had a haircut in five months. She felt relieved getting it done finally.

“It’s amazing,” she said. “It was needed, that’s for sure. Oh my goodness I feel ten times lighter!”

In Downtown Saskatoon, a steady stream of shoppers filed into Midtown Mall, as cleaning crews donned masks, gloves and carried bottles of sanitizer with them inside the mall.

Danny O’Keefe and his crew of three with the DTN YXE organization were among those outside the building cleaning door handles, doors, benches and anything that people might commonly touch. He said he noticed a lot more people downtown as well.

“We’ve noticed a lot more foot traffic…seeing familiar faces back downtown people coming back to work. It’s definitely picking up again for sure.”