The last few months have been challenging for everyone, and for us, it’s been particularly difficult to have to close our doors. We are now approaching our re-opening and as such, have come to a make a few long-term decisions that we feel are the best for McGowans going forward. Read a letter from our Managing Director, Nicola McCann, below, as she outlines these changes – dated 23.06.20.
Dear customers,
I hope that you and your families are all well and are managing through these challenging times.
Following Scottish Government guidelines, I am delighted to announce that we will be opening our doors to McGowans, No 41, Argyll Arcade, Glasgow on Monday 29th June. Through the period of July, No 4 Argyll Arcade will also be open on an appointment-only basis where you will be able to book an exclusive one to one meeting with a member of our team (see more details below).
I would like to reassure you that we are strictly adhering to the recommended measures to keep our stores to the highest standards of cleanliness to allow for an enjoyable shopping experience for all. Our staff are fully trained in the required procedures and look forward to welcoming you through our doors again. You can read our our Customer Code of Conduct below for your reference. PPE and sanitisers will be available for your use should you wish to use them. Due to social distancing, we will be operating a door entry system to control the number of customers entering the branches and ask that you please ring the doorbell for assistance. In the event that you have to wait to be served then we thank you in advance for your patience.
While we are excited about reopening in Glasgow, it is with great sadness that I have to advise that we will not be are reopening our store in Aberdeen. I know that many of you will be disappointed that McCowans is leaving your High Street, however this is an unavoidable situation. I would like to thank our loyal customers and members of staff for supporting us over the years and I hope that you will continue to shop with us in our Glasgow stores.
I look forward to welcoming you all back to McGowans and hope you will treat yourself to something special for the occasions and celebrations that many of us have had to put on hold. We have recently taken delivery of many new and exciting lines and look forward to sharing these with you.
Best wishes
Nicola McCann
New appointments available to book
We are now operating an appointment system, as well as a queuing system at our doors. We encourage all customers to book appointments where possible. You can book this by emailing bookings@mcgowansjewellers.com or calling 0141 221 0101 to arrange an appointment. Alternatively, you can speak to a member of staff at our door during opening hours. Appointments will allow you to shop our range at a time that suits you with a member of our team who can guide you through your purchase and help you find the perfect piece. You will have the chance to enjoy a real ‘VIP’ service as our experts help you discover our collections, whilst having the store to yourself!
We are truly excited to welcome our customers back through our doors again, and hope to see you in-store soon!
Customer Notice & Guidelines – Opening post-COVID
These guidelines set out the measures we are taking to ensure a safe & enjoyable experience for all.
- STORE HYGIENE
Our stores have had thorough deep cleans prior to re-opening. Stores are disinfected prior to opening every day and deep cleans frequently scheduled to maintain hygiene levels.
2. PPE
Our staff wear the necessary PPE when possible including face protection and gloves. Our stores have also been newly fitted with protective shields and we have antibacterial wipes, swabs, non-contact forehead thermometers and UV sterilisers available. Our staff are fully trained to use the PPE in the correct way to maintain the health and hygiene for everyone at McGowans. Hand sanitiser is available.
3. FOOTFALL AND CUSTOMER FLOW
We will be admitting one customer group in store at any one time. We allow max 2 customers per group. This is to ensure we can adhere to social distancing guidelines. Customers should adhere to the 2m social distancing rule at all times. A queuing system is in place and appointments are available to book in advance. We are also operating a buzzer system at our door to manage footfall in store.
4. APPOINTMENTS
We are now accepting pre-booked appointments at our store at 41 Argyll Arcade. Customers can book this by emailing bookings@mcgowansjewellers.com or calling 0141 221 0101 to arrange their appointment. Alternatively, you can speak to a member of staff at our door during opening hours. Appointments will allow you to shop our range at a time that suits you with a member of our team who can guide you through your purchase and help you find the perfect piece.
5. STORE LAYOUT
Please note some areas of our stores will not be in use for the foreseeable e.g seating areas and repair counters, to protect staff and customers. Where possible, we will reduce the number of jewellery pieces being handled per customer.
Thank you for your understanding and co-operation