/https://www.theactivetimes.com/sites/default/files/2020/06/15/HERO_Malls.jpg)
FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images
FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images
FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images
With several states reopening after the stay-at-home order phase of coronavirus precautions, your local shopping mall will undoubtedly look different than when you last visited. As they reopen, malls will implement new safety measures to ensure the health and wellbeing of customers and employees. Based on available guidelines from Mall of America, a top U.S. tourist attraction, and Simon Property Group, the largest shopping mall operator in the U.S., here’s what you can expect from your next mall visit.
FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images
In accordance with the latest Minnesota health order, Mall of America will limit occupancy to 50% capacity. To limit virus spread, malls owned by Simon Property Group will be limited to a maximum density of 50 square feet per person. Tenants must also follow occupancy levels mandated by state and local authorities.
Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
Should a mall or individual store reach full capacity, much like grocery stores during the pandemic, queuing will become essential. Guests may be asked to wait in their cars or stand in queue lines outside while spaced 6 feet apart to maintain social distancing.
Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
On-property security at Simon malls will actively remind and encourage customers to comply with social distancing practices when inside the mall.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images
Due to the economic effects of the pandemic, expect to see fewer stores open inside your local mall. Coresight Research estimates that 20,000 to 25,000 stores could permanently close in the U.S. this year, with 55% to 60% of those closures in malls.
GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images
Plexiglass dividers will be installed at the Mall of America to create separation between staff and customers. Retailers such as Bath & Body Works, which has many mall locations, will also install plexiglass shields at its registers. Other malls and individual tenants will likely follow suit.
Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
To further enforce social distancing, visual cues like digital signs and reminders may be placed throughout reopened malls to encourage proper cough and sneeze etiquette and hand hygiene.
Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
Some states with more coronavirus restrictions have implemented face mask or cloth face covering requirements in public spaces. At Simon malls, free masks and sanitizing wipe packets will be available to shoppers at designated entrances or the mall office.
Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images
Samples or tester products available at beauty stores may be limited. Popular makeup store Sephora, for example, has announced that as stores reopen, testers are for display only and sampling will be limited to commercially prepackaged samples.
CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images
Common shopping mall stores like Kohl’s and Macy’s have extended their return policies during the outbreak, giving shoppers more time to feel comfortable making returns.
Ian Forsyth/Getty Images
New protocols will minimize interactions between shoppers and employees. When making transactions at reopened Simon properties, customers should utilize credit card receptacles without exchanging the card with an employee. Employees may also sanitize their hands between customers. Still, make sure to clean your credit card before heading out shopping.
© Maria Argutinskaya - Dreamstime.com
Like at reopened gyms, public drinking fountains may be closed for mall customers.
© Cateyeperspective - Dreamstime.com
At Mall of America, elevator capacity will be limited to one person or party per cab. Simon properties will limit occupancy to no more than four people per cab. Limiting elevator occupancy is also one way offices will look different post-coronavirus.
NIKLAS HALLE'N/AFP via Getty Images
Your local mall’s PA system may play the occasional public announcements reminding you to take necessary precautions and practice social distancing to save lives.
Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
Simon Property Group no longer allows stroller rentals or open children play places. Parents can instead help their children burn off energy with at-home summer activities.
© Pongvit Ayasanon - Dreamstime.com
At the Mall of America, strollers along with wheelchairs and electric scooters will be available. However, they will be disinfected using an electric disinfectant sprayer and other cleaning supplies before and after each use.
© Suparergsuksai - Dreamstime.com
If you’re used to using valet services at your mall, it’s time to practice parking. Malls that offer valet parking, including some Simon properties, may suspend the service to reduce person-to-person contact.
TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images
All that exercise walking in the mall can make you tired, but know shopping center seating may be limited. Public seating areas may be reduced or reconfigured to allow for minimum separation of 6 feet between guests.
Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
Mall business hours may be reduced to allow for extensive cleaning and sanitizing during off hours. Reopened chain restaurants have also cut operating hours for the same reason.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Though not as effective as washing your hands, hand sanitizer gets the job done in a pinch. Expect to see hand sanitizer dispensers, ideally touchless, all over your local mall once it reopens.
MANJUNATH KIRAN/AFP via Getty Images
Restrooms will look different in reopened malls too. In Simon Property Group malls, every other sink and urinal in a restroom will be taped off to encourage proper spacing.
CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images
Restaurants had to make all sorts of changes during the coronavirus pandemic. At reopened mall food courts, anticipate reset or reduced seating capacities to allow for a minimum of 6 feet between each seated group. These new hurdles are what is required to grab an Auntie Anne’s pretzel, an order of Panda Express orange chicken or more classic mall grub from the best food court restaurants.
More From The Active Times:
Coronavirus Social Distancing: States Where It's Easiest and Hardest
Tie-Dye Fashion Is Back. Here Are Photos Through the Years
Shopping During Coronavirus Had People Searching for Graduation Supplies and Outdoor Fun
Summer Travel After Coronavirus: How Americans Are Planning Vacations