Using technology to measure the flow of visitors, reducing the furniture available in the food courts and implementing product deliveries in the parking area are part of the changes that the region’s shopping centers must apply in this new reality.

Because of the threat of the spread of covid-19, since mid-March in Central America, the authorities agreed to close the shopping centers. So far, in Costa Rica, they have already reopened, in El Salvador they will be operating again in the coming weeks and in the case of Guatemala, it is not yet defined when this sector will be allowed to reactivate.

Check out the “System for monitoring markets and the economic situation in Central American countries“, developed by CentralAmericaData.

The strategies and changes to be applied by those in charge of these properties will transform the way shopping centers operated until before the beginning of the health and economic crisis.

In Costa Rica, Lucia Rojas, Marketing Manager of City Mall, told Nacion.com that “… for the well-being of customers, the use of a mask will be required for those who wish to enter the mall. This is in addition to the established protocols for controlled entry with distance, temperature taking, alcohol in hands and the use of a sanitizing mat for shoes.”

See “E-Commerce: What do Consumers Want to Buy?”

As part of the implementation of Phase 3 of the reopening of the economy, it is planned that in El Salvador, starting July 22nd, shopping centers will be able to begin serving consumers.

Elias Arevalo, operations manager of Grupo Roble, a company that owns shopping centers in the country, explained to Elmundo.sv that “… the sector is preparing to enter a new era by applying a series of measures, including the use of technology to measure the number of visitors to the buildings and biosecurity protocols to protect employees, clients and visitors.”

The changes in the ways in which items purchased by customers are dispatched will be another of the trends that will become evident in this context of changing business scenarios.

In Panama, Jaravy Rosales, marketing manager of Grupo Roble, told Martesfinanciero.com that “… with the new online sales option, products can be purchased through the websites of both shopping centers (Multiplaza and Metromall), and delivery and pickup times can be scheduled without having to get out of the car, because for this they will establish safe areas with thorough cleaning measures for the peace of mind of each user.”

Stay Safe!!