Discussions

Home
Discussions
Shopping in Brandon/Westman
PSA when it comes to shopping at the Brandon Shoppers Mall this weekend...

PSA when it comes to shopping at the Brandon Shoppers Mall this weekend...

takereasyparcheesi
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 106

takereasyparcheesi
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 106

PSA when it comes to shopping at the Brandon Shoppers Mall this weekend...
5/23/2021 at 11:18 AM

DONT. BRING. YOUR. ENTIRE. FAMILY. TO. THE. MALL!!

Working retail for nearly 20 years, I can honestly say that yesterday had to had been one of the hardest days I had worked in this field, in my life. I had to argue with grown adults about not bringing their entire family into the store. I had adults tell me they were going to have me fired for refusing to let their family of four into the store to ‘browse’. Now isn’t the time to browse. Now isn’t the time to bring your entire family to shopping centre just to kill some time. There are plenty of other activities a family can be doing be doing. “I’m going to go in with my wife and son for a moment” could end up costing a store a $5,000 fine and a possible closure because you want to be selfish. Business are struggling more than ever, and all it takes is one whistle blower to inform the police of your selfish act, and cause the stores coup de grace in red ink- forcing them to close their doors. The mall is an impulse building. Nothing any of the stores sell is a requirement for living. Grocery and pharmaceutical stores are not impulsive as they are required for living.

I spoke with security and was told that families were entering the building in a ‘trickling’ effect, having them look to be separated and not together, only to then pick a designated spot in the mall to meet up so they could shop collectively as a family. This is where we are at. People finding every way to get around the rules, and actively seeking to argue with mall employees because they are not allow to browse a store as a collective unit.

Retail is not an easy job, due largely to, albeit, terrible and inconsiderate clients who have: little to zero communication skills: politeness or common courtesy: and what seems to be an unlimited amount of time. Covid-19 is incredibly hard and is a stressor on everyone. Nobody is safe when it comes to any effect Covid-19 has brought on. However, there are things we can actively control and work towards to make things easier on one and other. Coming to the mall with your family to yell at teenage staff and threatening to have them fired for not letting you browse a store as a collective unit is not one of them.

This brings my PSA and rant to a close.
Iceman69
Joined: This month
Posts: 513

Iceman69
Joined: This month
Posts: 513

yeah well....
5/23/2021 at 11:34 AM

Unfortunately it is happening everywhere is Brandon.
Yesterday went into McDonalds, the staff there stopped a father and his kid at the door saying only one per household. The father said his son is paying on his own. The staff member let them in, they both stood in line together. They both ordered together and dad paid for everything.

IMO, I also think that the mall should be closed.

Edited by Iceman69, 2021-05-23 11:35:25
prairie gal
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 422

prairie gal
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 422

Well said
5/23/2021 at 11:36 AM

I agree! Young retail workers did not sign up to police adults and enforce the Province’s changing rules. It’s a daily struggle right now. The most young and vulnerable employees (only recently eligible for vaccines) are being told by older adults, “don’t worry about it, I’m vaccinated” all day, every day as they bend/twist/ignore/defy rules. And every day polite “how’s the weather” chit chat has turned into contact Covid complaints all day, every day. It’s beyond exhausting.
Oryx
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5628

Oryx
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5628

Yesterday
5/23/2021 at 11:41 AM

Was a big retail grocery centre and this was the case as well.

Couples, not families, shopping ...one cart two people.

Store didn't seem to be doing anything about this as employees were meandering about while the obvious couples shopped.

Maybe the store would take this serious should they be fined for once & for all.

Obviously some people feel some sort of entitlement or simply are that arrogant that the rules do not apply to them.

Frustrating!
naturelover
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 90

naturelover
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 90

Mall
5/23/2021 at 11:42 AM

I totally agree with you and sympathize:
Can't understand why supposedly grown up , responsible Adults act like children and need to be treated as such. But then:
These new days and new ways is a trying time for all, and trust me, its hard to adjust: affects every aspect of life. Driving many to the edge, myself i:ncluded, but as a mature ,responsible adult,I DO follow all rules, for the reason, that some day, this will end.

Edited by naturelover, 2021-05-23 11:51:08
JustOneMoreDay
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 82

JustOneMoreDay
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 82

I also work retail...
5/23/2021 at 11:59 AM

...and it is incredibly frustrating that while working somewhere that has a limit of five people, how many people would bring a group of people(husband, wife, and teenage kid, for example). Dad would do his shopping while mom and kid stood, in the way of staff, playing on their phones. It’s ridiculous. Not only is it inconsiderate and against what were just recommendations at the time but small businesses are trying to stay afloat right now and it takes away from the paying customers in the store.

We went grocery shopping yesterday. By “we”, I mean husband went in and I stayed in the car. I saw numerous couples go in and not be turned away. Frustrating.
Farmergeorge
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 1837

Farmergeorge
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 1837

.
5/23/2021 at 12:20 PM

No staff member young or mature should have to put up with this behaviour by selfish people. In many cases staff have been told not to confront or engage with people that seem intent to do as they please regardless of the health risks that they pose to others. It is time to take the pressure off of businesses to some degree. The regulations need teeth. The authorities need to enforce these restrictions and punish people harshly that refuse to follow the rules.
gopherit
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 488

gopherit
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 488

its to bad
5/23/2021 at 1:28 PM

I wonder if these parents taking their kids to stores realize what kind of bad example they are setting for their kids. The day will come when they set rules for the kids and they won't listen. That'll be a good smack in the face.
I wonder if anyone in the OPs situation could call security and have them removed and fined. I don't know, just a thought. Certainly not fair the store gets a fine for trying.

To those rule breakers...
I don't give a rip how frustrated you are with the rules, going out doing whatever you want. I've been sitting home most of the last 14 months (as rules change) doing as I'm told, not seeing my family, kids, grandkids and friends. I'm NOT the reason this is continuing, YOU are...so thanks for NOTHING.
You only have yourselves to blame for your frustration lol
sportsmom
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 77

sportsmom
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 77

PSA about shopping
5/23/2021 at 2:37 PM

I am also employed at the Shoppers Mall and was highly disappointed in what occurred there yesterday. Going past our door was a constant stream of couples and families, most aimlessly wandering the mall as they didn’t have bags or packages with them. What prompts two late 40ish parents to come to the mall as a couple, let alone bring their two teenagers with them? I want to know what example they are setting for their children. Rules/restrictions don’t apply if you’re sneaky. And what items do you need so badly that your whole family had to come out to purchase? At this rate, we will be in full lockdown very soon!
Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5038

Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5038

Rules
5/23/2021 at 3:18 PM

It makes me so upset to hear this. I told my husband when they announced these weekend restrictions that they mean bupkis - the people who care about the rules have been doing this all along. My kids have been in retail precisely once since last March. My husband and I always venture out one at a time.

If my children can understand the point and purpose of these restrictions, why don't the adults??
Momtomany
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 2

Momtomany
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 2

Curb side
5/23/2021 at 3:49 PM

Maybe if people can’t handle following the guidelines stores can close their doors and do curb side only until restrictions are eased.
Kida

Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 470

Kida
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 470

don't they realize..
5/23/2021 at 9:23 PM

..These orders my end May 26th but there is no reason for them to extend them. Duh!

Worked retail for over 17 years. IT is the age old saying that they are remembering "The customer is always right" but, government trumps customers!

If they are not careful it will soon be martial law
daysnnights
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 73

daysnnights
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 73

Mall
5/24/2021 at 12:21 AM

When was the last time anyone has seen anyone patrolling for the covid regulations in the mall? Having guards at the doors is ok but most of them are on their phones or reading books they don’t even talk to people walking in or out of the mall. Just walk around the mall and it’s the stores trying to follow the regulations but couples will still go to the mall because nobody says they can’t. If a place is making money is it not a business and shouldn’t a business follow the government regulations
Farmergeorge
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 1837

Farmergeorge
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 1837

.
5/24/2021 at 7:35 AM

daysnnights said "When was the last time anyone has seen anyone patrolling for the covid regulations in the mall? Having guards at the doors is ok but most of them are on their phones or reading books they don’t even talk to people walking in or out of the mall. Just walk around the mall and it’s the stores trying to follow the regulations but couples will still go to the mall because nobody says they can’t. If a place is making money is it not a business and shouldn’t a business follow the government regulations "
Yes a business must follow regulations of course but a business and their staff cannot be expected to fully enforce regulations especially with difficult customers entering. This enforcement needs to be carried out by the police. It is time stop dithering around on this and it is time to introduce real meaningful deterrent punishment to those insistent on putting others at risk.
Marcom19
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 237

Marcom19
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 237

Is there
5/24/2021 at 12:26 PM

Any way that the mall can be policed right at the mall doors? It may sound stupid but these people need to be fined as soon as they enter the mall. If they lose their drivers licence or their vehicle, "maybe" they'll think otherwise.
Drew45
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 13

Drew45
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 13

Most people don’t care
5/25/2021 at 11:10 AM

My next door neighbour had a big family get together yesterday inside their house, cars parked further up the street to avoid any suspicion. Not the first time they have done this. Most people just don’t care until they or their family get Covid. I even know of some health care workers who are blatantly ignoring the rules, so it across the board, rich or poor, rules only apply to certain people or until it restricts their activities beyond what they think they are entitled to do. More fines needed
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Get together
5/25/2021 at 11:27 AM

Drew45 said "My next door neighbour had a big family get together yesterday inside their house, cars parked further up the street to avoid any suspicion. Not the first time they have done this. Most people just don’t care until they or their family get Covid. I even know of some health care workers who are blatantly ignoring the rules, so it across the board, rich or poor, rules only apply to certain people or until it restricts their activities beyond what they think they are entitled to do. More fines needed "
I wouldn't say most people dont care. My experience has been that huge majority have changed their habits and I do believe that the sheer volume of contacts has been greatly reduced.... but the hospitalization and ICU situation is in a very scary place and there are some that as you've described havent changed habits that at this point do need further consequence if putting us at risk.

In your case, especially if its that blatant and overboard please keep this link and phone number handy:
https://forms.gov.mb.ca/covid-tip-line/
Daisyflower
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 281

Daisyflower
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 281

seriously people?!?!?!
5/25/2021 at 11:46 AM

This infuriates me! Why do some people think the rules don’t apply to them. I am sick and tired of being at home. I miss my friends and family. I am itching to travel in the worst way........but I care more about what is going on around us than being selfish. I know I am healthy and so is my family but not everyone is so lucky. Does no one think that having to send Covid patients to another province because we are full is a concern?! I can’t believe how selfish and entitled people are right now. It makes me so angry......and disappointed in people. This pandemic has left me losing faith in people doing the right thing.
Loudmouth
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 387

Loudmouth
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 387

It's up to the mall to have designated people to enforce
5/25/2021 at 10:55 PM

daysnnights said "When was the last time anyone has seen anyone patrolling for the covid regulations in the mall? Having guards at the doors is ok but most of them are on their phones or reading books they don’t even talk to people walking in or out of the mall. Just walk around the mall and it’s the stores trying to follow the regulations but couples will still go to the mall because nobody says they can’t. If a place is making money is it not a business and shouldn’t a business follow the government regulations "
If security won't enforce the public health orders then the mall is responsible for getting someone that does.
Read the order.
daysnnights
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 73

daysnnights
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 73

Ok
5/26/2021 at 8:43 AM

If the mall is a business then why don't they have to follow the same rules a s a box store. The hallways in the mall are the malls and you can't count each store as mall space. So a big box store in Brandon I would think has more space then the hallways in a mall. You see friends or family's in the mall but only one person in a big box store. Maybe the mall should see what the ones they hired at the doors are doing. They are reading books and on their cell phones. Just for one I wouldn't hire a company that did this. Kind of looks bad. Yes I agree every business should follow the regulations set by the government or public health. Maybe we should see more of the officials that were hired to enforce the regulations out in the public during store open hours and yes give fines or tickets as that way maybe people will take this a bit more seriously. As you still see people pulling their masks down and having a drink of their coffee or sitting on a bench drinking their coffee. Why do people do this still?
Millenial
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 212

Millenial
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 212

Exhausting
5/26/2021 at 9:47 AM

Fellow retail worker here! The only way that you can get selfish people to have even a modicum of respect for the rules in place is to either have actual law enforcement at each retail location, or to have another complete lockdown like we had from November to January.

I was able to book my vaccine appointment for this past Sunday, but I still have to go to work while I'm still vulnerable to disease and hear people argue and complain because they want to look at fun non-essential goods! Many a time I've heard the staff counting customers at our door get berated by customers simply for reminding them of the rules in place. Retail staff are not equipped to deal with unruly/angry/deranged people and so we simply have to let it go.
PrimeConvoy

Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 561

PrimeConvoy
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 561

To clear some things up
5/26/2021 at 3:05 PM

daysnnights said "If the mall is a business then why don't they have to follow the same rules a s a box store. The hallways in the mall are the malls and you can't count each store as mall space. So a big box store in Brandon I would think has more space then the hallways in a mall. You see friends or family's in the mall but only one person in a big box store. Maybe the mall should see what the ones they hired at the doors are doing. They are reading books and on their cell phones. Just for one I wouldn't hire a company that did this. Kind of looks bad. Yes I agree every business should follow the regulations set by the government or public health. Maybe we should see more of the officials that were hired to enforce the regulations out in the public during store open hours and yes give fines or tickets as that way maybe people will take this a bit more seriously. As you still see people pulling their masks down and having a drink of their coffee or sitting on a bench drinking their coffee. Why do people do this still? "
Malls are much different than big box stores. The main corridor in a mall is required to be at least 20 feet wide, no such rule exists in a retail store, unless it has rack shelving similar to that in a Costco. So the argument that there is more space in a big box store is invalid. Also, in a Mall there are many tenants at play fighting for your dollar...so if you limit to one person per household and I want to go to one store, and my daughter wants to go to another, then we are technically in different retail stores, that's when a matter of enforcement becomes cloudy in a store.

If I go into a mall with someone, then we split up, are we technically together if we shop in different stores? But if we go to the same store, who should enforce entry, the mall or the shop?

I am just playing devil's advocate here, but enforcement in the mall isn't as cut and dry as one may think. So, that's where messaging is so important. What I hear is that one person per household per business. Personally, I treat the mall as a business, but someone else might view it differently.

As mentioned before we need to consider the consequences of our actions, which requires adult thinking. And it has become abundantly clear that not all adults have this ability yet.

Stay safe!
Cj59
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 31

Cj59
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 31

Exhausted
5/26/2021 at 4:16 PM

Malls may be different but you still are not supposed to shop in a group! The mall is not a place to meet up with people and hang out. I work in the mall and see first hand the people shopping/walking around together (and don’t get me started on the ones eating/drinking or pretending to use sanitizer) I don’t care if you’re from different households, you still don’t get to shop together!! And don’t give attitude to the people working that have to tell the rules over and over (and over), they are just doing what they’re told and trying to keep themselves safe
sportsmom
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 77

sportsmom
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 77

Please read the restrictions for malls
5/26/2021 at 4:33 PM

I direct those who question the restrictions for malls (as compared to individual stores) to read the official text from the provincial orders that Loudmouth has attached to their post.

It clearly states that it “prohibits two or more persons from accompanying each other at the shopping centre or mall, including persons who reside in the same private residence, except in the case of a person who is accompanied by a minor dependent or a person to whom they provide caregiving services”

Today I’ve seen fewer couples and families wandering the mall than on the weekend. However, I am still seeing too many groups of younger people shopping in groups or pairs. And I also agree that certain security guards at the doors are distracted, reading a book or playing on their phones. The mall should be checking to see that the company they contract for their services are actually doing their jobs.

I don’t understand what thrill people get from deliberately breaking health orders. You won’t be thrilled if we go into a full lockdown.
Loudmouth
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 387

Loudmouth
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 387

Exactly!
5/26/2021 at 5:29 PM

sportsmom said "I direct those who question the restrictions for malls (as compared to individual stores) to read the official text from the provincial orders that Loudmouth has attached to their post.

It clearly states that it “prohibits two or more persons from accompanying each other at the shopping centre or mall, including persons who reside in the same private residence, except in the case of a person who is accompanied by a minor dependent or a person to whom they provide caregiving services”

Today I’ve seen fewer couples and families wandering the mall than on the weekend. However, I am still seeing too many groups of younger people shopping in groups or pairs. And I also agree that certain security guards at the doors are distracted, reading a book or playing on their phones. The mall should be checking to see that the company they contract for their services are actually doing their jobs.

I don’t understand what thrill people get from deliberately breaking health orders. You won’t be thrilled if we go into a full lockdown. "
Well said!
Like the public health order says "the mall" is responsible for enforcing orders. Security can and have asked people to leave under other circumstances.

If an individual refuses or is verbally aggressive call BPS.

BRING ON A FORMAL STAY AT HOME ORDER!!
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Malls
5/27/2021 at 1:35 PM

New public health orders coming into effect Saturday will include this line as per today's media bulletin:

"increased requirements for malls to manage capacity and access to eliminate gatherings and ensure compliance with shopping; "

https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=51347
Loudmouth
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 387

Loudmouth
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 387

Thanks Adam
5/27/2021 at 10:40 PM

Adam said "New public health orders coming into effect Saturday will include this line as per today's media bulletin:

"increased requirements for malls to manage capacity and access to eliminate gatherings and ensure compliance with shopping; "

https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=51347 "
For including that information and link.
I'm sure that the COVID tip line was flooded with reports of the malls in Winnipeg and the Shopper's Mall in Brandon.
daysnnights
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 73

daysnnights
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 73

What are the rules
5/28/2021 at 9:50 AM

"increased requirements for malls to manage capacity and access to eliminate gatherings and ensure compliance with shopping; " So what are the rules for the malls now and where can you go to see the regulations on this from the government or the public health orders. Cant really see anything changing with the malls. As they have several entrances open and people will just go in different entrances. At least at big box stores you have one way in and one way out, kind of a bit easier to control. Having guards at entrances reading books or on a cell phone doesn't do anything. Well it makes some of the customers laugh.
aBUFAmember
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 162

aBUFAmember
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 162

Mall rules
5/28/2021 at 6:11 PM

Loudmouth posted an excerpt from the actual order above. Read part 5(2)(b). It's pretty clear. A mall or shopping centre is treated pretty much the same as an individual retail establishment.
A.G.
Joined: This month
Posts: 2106

A.G.
Joined: This month
Posts: 2106

.
5/28/2021 at 10:49 PM

So true. Me and my spouse went to the mall the other day and weren’t allowed to go together, so he went to the car. I knew the rules but It slipped my mind for the mall. While in the mall I seen several families , couples and groups of friends together. So they must of came separately and met up. So it is def a big problem for the mall not only for the workers have to try to keep ppl following the rules but the security guards. People don’t realize it could cause big fines for these stores and potential closures.