As part of One Accessibility advocacy, we shall share information about disability issues, inclusion and or accessibility features on Maps. Look out every week for this enlightening post.
Caption: Dedicated parking lots linked to the ramp leading to the main entrance.
Beyond an Ordinary Store
It is one thing to have a store or business near you and another thing for it to be accessible for everyone. Stores should provide all encompassing service for non disabled and disabled customers. For the month of February, One Accessibility team would be spotlighting PwD friendly stores near us.
Shoprite at Owerri Mall is typical neigbourhood mall that ticks the basic accessibility criteria. Driving into the mall is quite uplifting, looking at the aesthetics and large parking space. There are dedicated parking areas for persons with disabilities with ramps leading towards the main entrance. The entrance, of course, is large and step free. The entire floor is without any obstacle.
Some of the businesses within the mall include grocery, restaurants, jewelry, electronics, pharmacy, luxury wears, pizza, bistro and bar.
It is interesting to note that the eatries have cool seating area which can accommodate wheelchairs without any improvising. And the restroom is clean and inclusive too.
Owerri Mall is perhaps the largest and most inclusive store in the city which is also within my neighbourhood.
Caption: Front view of the Owerri Mall showing Shoprite written boldly and vehicles parked in front of the mall.
What Other Local Guides Are Saying
Usually, I love to read reviews before going to a store or patronizing a business, through Google Maps. So here are a few reviews by Local Guides that caught my attention about the mall:
“Great outdoor mall. Cosy and neat with good parking space. Wheelchair friendly. Different outlets for different varieties of wears and products. Product prices for all class.”
“This place is just the perfect place to unwind and enjoy yourself. You can’t be in Owerri and not visit here. It is an utopia!”
“Best shopping experience you can think of. Well organized and arranged. Very disciplined and well trained staff. It promises to be a wonderful shopping experience.”
This reviewer had an important health information…
“In this covid era, I love their approach. Before you enter, you go to one of three wash hand basins, wash your hands with soap under running water. Your temperature is then checked at the entry point before you enter. Kudos.”
Looks like a writer of a Local Guide. Detailed review and accessibility conscious too…
“This mall offers several items on sale, from skincare to food items and stationary in the supermarket that are not overly expensive. There also several shops within the mall, offering several services and products. There is also a cinema, a virtual game shop, a barber, electronics shop, several boutiques (lingerie and clothing), a furniture shop,a sports betting shop and more. There is even a shop space dedicated to the National Identity Card registration. There are several restaurants and a well appointed food court. There is also an ATM gallery. The mall has restrooms that are constantly cleaned. Most if not all shops offer multiple payment options. There is a wheelchair ramp, ample parking lot and great security.”
Conclusion
Just like other reviewers have noted, anyone visiting the city of Owerri needs to visit the Owerri Mall. I would expect the facility to replace dedicated parking and accessibility signs within the mall to emphasize inclusivity. Also, Local Guides visiting the stores should share their experiences especially with accessibility provisions and family friendly gestures.
Do you have an accessible store near you? Did you leave a review to help PwDs that may want to go there on their own?
If you have a question, suggestion, or contribution, feel free to comment below. You can read last week’s roundup article here and check the list of our other articles under “Accessibility Uncovered”.
