HERE are intu Merry Hill's Christmas opening hours and here's what to expect when lockdown lifts.

Non-essential shops are set to reopen from Wednesday December 2 as the Dudley borough enters tier three following the month-long national coronavirus lockdown.

Primark, Mango and JD Sports are among fashion stores reopening plus favourites including M&S, Next, Disney Store, and Hotel Chocolat. A full list can be found online at merryhillcentre.co.uk.

To help festive shoppers visit safely during what is traditionally the busiest time of year for retailers - enhanced cleaning measures will remain in place at the centre, visitors will be expected to follow one-way floor markings and reminded to wear face coverings and to keep a safe distance from others.

Mall bosses say capacity in the centre will be closely monitored to help allow shoppers to maintain safe social distancing and visitors may be asked to queue to enter during busier times.

In line with the latest Government guidance on household mixing, shoppers will also be asked to only visit the centre with members of their own household or support bubble.

Shoppers will also be encouraged to try to visit during traditionally quieter times such as early mornings and evenings on weekdays if possible.

To help avoid a crush of shoppers - opening hours have also been extended for December.

From Wednesday December 2 the centre will be open weekdays from 8am to 9pm and from 8am to 8pm on Saturdays, except December 5 and Boxing Day (Saturday December 26) when the centre will close at 7pm.

On Sundays throughout December the centre will be open between 11am and 5pm and on Christmas Eve the centre will be open from 8am until 5pm.

Individual stores may have different opening times, so shoppers are asked to check in advance.

Rachael Jackson, general manager at intu Merry Hill, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming visitors back safely to the centre. We want to reassure all of our visitors that as retailers reopen their doors, we’ll continue to do everything we can to make sure the centre is a safe place to visit and work.

“When you visit us, you’ll see our hand sanitation stations in place across the centre, and we’ll continue to ask that all visitors do their part in keeping everyone safe by wearing face coverings, following our updated one way marked routes and keeping their distance.

“We know that visiting the centre will continue to feel different over the festive season, and we’d like to thank our hard-working teams and everyone else for their ongoing support in following guidance.”

Food outlets offering takeaway or delivery services that have remained open will continue to operate. Due to the tough restrictions imposed on Dudley dine-in facilities at restaurants, bars and coffee shops will, however, remain closed.

Tips on shopping safely this festive season:

-Plan to visit during quieter times. The centre is usually busiest between 10.30am and 3pm, so shoppers are being asked to plan ahead and visit during quieter times where possible, such as early mornings and evenings on weekdays.

-Take notice of signs and markings at the centre. A one-way system continues to be in place at the centre, indicated by markings on the floor. Visitors are urged to keep a two-metre distance between themselves and others to help keep everyone safe.

-Wear a face covering and sanitise regularly. Shoppers are asked to continue to follow Government guidance and wear a face covering when visiting the centre, but be respectful to other shoppers who may be exempt from this rule. Hand sanitisation stations are in place at entrances across the centre and shoppers are asked to do their bit to keep everyone safe by sanitising their hands regularly.

-Check opening times and plan your shopping route. Individual stores may have different opening times, so it is advisable to checking before leaving home. Shoppers can visit the centre's website merryhillcentre.co.uk for the latest information.

-Consider click and collect. Many retailers continue to operate click & collect services, so shoppers may be able to pre-order and collect items before visiting to help limit time in-store.

December opening hours:

Monday to Friday – 8am to 9pm

Saturday December 5 – 8am to 7pm, Saturday December 12 and 19 – 8am to 8pm

Sundays – 11am to 5pm

Christmas Eve (Thursday December 24) – 8am to 5pm

Christmas Day (Friday December 25) – closed

Boxing Day (Saturday December 26) – 8am to 7pm