Denise Asare, General Manager of Accra Mall, has advised that it would be a premature move to completely shut down shopping malls as a result of the Coronavirus.
Speaking on Global Media Alliance’s Webinar Series discussing the topic ‘Unlocking Digital Transformation in the Retail Industry’, she gave reason for this assertion that the retail industry in Ghana especially in terms of the shopping mall environment is still quite young.
“We’re still quite far behind in terms of what is going on in other markets across the world and there are still people who are growing and would want to experience it so I think it would be premature to shut down the shopping mall environment”, she said.
Denise noted that it is possible that there will be a slow down or decline in the development of new shopping centers because there are now alternative ways to shop, however, she believes that one way to save physical stores is for these shopping centers like the Accra mall to regain the trust of the people.
This, by assuring and ensuring the safety of customers when they visit these centers. In other words, putting in place measures to ensure that safety protocols are adhered to.
The General Manager also believes that as the middle class grows, there will be more opportunities for physical retail in Ghana to continue to grow.
By: Maureen Dedei Quaye