The last week of May, Governor
Andrew Cuomo announced that the Mid-Hudson region finally entered Phase One of
the reopening process. That means construction, manufacturing, trade, fishing
and hunting can reopen and retail stores can now offer curbside or in-store
pickup.
Now shoppers can get ready to
start placing orders at the Poughkeepsie Galleria. In a statement released by the company, “The Poughkeepsie Galleria team and stores have missed you terribly
while we were busy social distancing for the safety and health of those around
us, but we’re slowly gearing up for a safe reopening.”
The Poughkeepsie Galleria
is introducing "Curbside@Poughkeepsie." Even though at this time they still cannot let customers into the mall, shoppers can access some
of their favorite stores. The Galleria will also be open daily.
If the store you're
ordering from doesn't have an exterior entrance, the Poughkeepsie Galleria has
added curbside pickup locations which you can find on a map at their website. They have also created a full list of stores in the mall, their hours and how you can
place your orders.
However, according to
the New York Times, the Simon Property Group, the biggest operator of malls in the
United States, has come up with a plan for reopening 49 shopping centers across
10 states starting on Friday. None of the malls are in New York. Their operations offer a glimpse into how
mall shopping may look in the coming months:
·
Security officers and employees will “actively remind and
encourage shoppers” to maintain a proper distance from others and to refrain
from shopping in groups.
·
Food court seating will be spaced to encourage social
distancing, and reusable trays will be banished.
·
Play areas and drinking fountains will be temporarily closed,
mall-provided strollers won’t be available, and, in restrooms, every other sink
and urinal will be taped off.
·
Regular audio announcements will be made “to remind shoppers of
their part in maintaining a safe environment for everyone.”
The success of this approach,
the company notes, depends largely on whether retailers will also decide to
quickly reopen stores and whether the public will feel comfortable going to
malls.
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