Lockdown shopping guide

While the fight to end coronavirus remains a priority, the National Alert Level structure was introduced as part of the Government's strategy to reopen the country’s economy and allow some businesses to trade again. There are new rules to follow as the lockdown in South Africa is slowly being reduced. Level 4 and 3 also means that you can buy things you were unable to buy during the initial 21 day Level 5 lockdown. 

It’s still critical to maintain social distancing to keep yourself safe and play your part in flattening the curve, as well as in preventing the spread of COVID-19. You’ll need to sanitise your hands upon entering stores, have a mask on at all times and maintain a 1.5 metre distance from other shoppers. This way, you’re making sure that you and the people around you are safe. With that being said, we’ve put together a helpful guide on how to navigate your way around a shopping centre during lockdown; we’ve listed the items you’re able to shop for at your favourite department stores and grocery stores in Cape Town. We’ve also put together some tips on how to reduce your physical in-store shopping time, and stay safe. 

During level 4 lockdown, retail is restricted to supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, pet stores, clothing stores and homeware stores. They are only allowed to supply essential goods and services such as; food, toiletries, cleaning products, pet food, office equipment and essential winter fashion and homeware. You’re also allowed to shop for educational necessities like stationery and books, airtime and electricity, as well as have access to postal and courier services, pharmacies and banking services. 

However, during Level 3, most retail is permitted and many more stores are able trade. Exciting, right? Plus, the Centre will be operational between 9am - 7pm Monday - Sunday, however, stores are still allowed to have their own trading hours. Liquor stores are also permitted to sell alcohol; however, you’re only allowed to buy from Monday to Thursday between 9am and 5pm, and it’s restricted to home consumption. On the other hand, tobacco and related products are still banned. Movie cinemas and entertainment centres are still closed, which ensures your contact with other shoppers is minimal.

You can view which stores are open or closed, along with their store specific trading hours by visiting our Store Listings directory. Click on the store to view the store page, where you will find their contact details, trading hours and the delivery platforms used for delivery orders under the ‘About’ section.

Yes, you can definitely shop for winter clothing essentials for the whole family during Level 4, including baby clothes, slippers, winter pyjamas, loungewear, beanies, coats and jackets, scarfs and all of the other winter essentials.

During Level 3, all fashion items can be sold, including open shoes, short sleeve shirts and tees, fitness attire (and equipment) and accessories and jewellery. You have plenty of options to choose from when going clothes shopping in Cape Town, particularly here, at the Canal Walk Shopping Centre! You can visit Mr Price, Jet, Cotton On, Cotton On Kids, Cape Union Mart, Foschini, Forever New, Truworths, The FIX, Sissy Boy, and other stores. If luxury fashion and athleisure wear are more your style, you can go to Adidas and Adidas originals, ALDO, G-Star Raw, Office London and more.

The best choice during lockdown is the comfy-clothing option because most of us are at home and it's practical - we hope this trend sticks!

If you’re in search of heaters, kitchen appliances, lounge accessories such as sofa throws, or winter bedding such as fitted sheets, flat sheets, duvet covers and related items, Canal Walk's homeware stores have you covered during Level 4. Sheet Street, Volpes, @home, @homelivingspace, Homemark and other homeware essential stores are open. We are all spending so much more time in our homes at the moment and winter is fast approaching, so, we might as well make our spaces look and feel fab when obtaining those essential functional updates when they are required - it's good for the mindset too.

The great news is that under Level 3 we can also do a bit of redecorating to keep ourselves creative and occupied, because all homeware, furniture, home décor and hardware is permitted - bring on the DIY projects!

Only educational stationery and toys, along with essential office equipment and technology, are allowed during Level 4. But, during Level 3 all toys and stationery can be sold to keep the kids busy and entertained, with gifting items like gift bags, wrapping paper, balloons and gift cards also permitted.

All food supermarkets remain open for customers to come in and pick from the fresh ingredients and the non-perishable items available. Some of the fast-food restaurants in Cape Town do sell hot food but only for the delivery option during Level 4 but takeaways can also be served under Level 3. Sit-down dining is strictly prohibited and the Food Court remains closed. The restaurants that are offering delivery either do so on the Mr D and Uber Eats delivery apps, or on their own private delivery services on WhatsApp.

When viewing restaurant and coffee shop listings under the food and beverage shop listing category, you can see which restaurants and food stores are open, as well as their ordering platforms. 

While only pharmacies and stores offering healthcare products and toiletries could trade during Level 4, under Level 3 hair and beauty salons, and tattoo parlours are permitted to sell products, but services from these establishments are still prohibited.

1. Write up a shopping list

Before heading to the mall, write up a shopping list and categorise the items. For example, food must be separate from clothing shopping and homeware shopping categories. Having a shopping list handy will reduce any unnecessary browsing. 

2. Plan your shopping route

View the stop listing to see which stores are open and earmark stores that you would like to visit and plan your route in advance using the mall map. 

3. Do you research

Online research helps to prepare you for when you get to the physical store. For example, if you know you will be buying clothes at Truworths, visit their website ahead of time to see what’s available. Doing this will also benefit you when you’re creating your shopping list. You can also contact the relevant store to check availability of the particular product that you are looking for.

4. Click and Collect

Using click and collect option is advised if you have the access and means to do so. This simply refers to shopping online and choosing the “collect from the store” option. This allows you to visit the store and grab your package quickly while doing other essential shopping. It's a simple and efficient option to use when you need to. Many stores have this option; Dis-Chem, Mr Price and others.

5. Trading Hours

Be aware that the shopping centre’s trading hours remain 9am to 7pm, please check with a specific store as they operate at their discretion. Entrances 1-12 are open, and all bathrooms are open besides the ones undergoing renovations. Should you need to wash your hands or need to use the bathroom ensure to keep to the social distancing rules. 

We hope the above information will help you prepare for your next essential trip to Canal Walk. We also have free and no-touch parking facilities, which means when you arrive at the boom, you’ll hover your hand over a no-touch sensor to obtain your ticket. There won’t be a need to go to the pay station if you spent less than two hours at the centre. However, please be advised that the Mezzanine levels parking areas are currently closed!

For further information, please visit our COVID-19 updates page. We wish you a happy and safe shopping trip.