LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The parking lot was crowded at Mall St. Matthews and Oxmoor Center as retail stores reopened Wednesday. Despite that, there were few people spotted shopping because not every store was open.
About a third of the stores are open at Mall St. Matthews, according to general manager David Jacoby. Each store will decide when it is ready to allow in-person shopping.
"Everybody is really excited about coming back and wanting to get business moving forward," Jacoby said. “Each store is responsible for their own traffic to make sure that they’re within the governor’s guidelines of 33 percent."
Signs are posted throughout the mall reminding people to use hand sanitizer stations, wash their hands, and stand six feet apart. Markings on the ground help people social distance and crews are cleaning high-touch areas every 30 to 40 minutes.
"It was pretty strange seeing it so empty, but it felt good to be back in the mall just be able to get out of the house for a little bit finally," shopper at Oxmoor Center, Seth Allgeier said. “I was a little disappointed because the majority of the stores in the mall were still actually closed.”
Security will monitor foot traffic and will look out for shoppers that are not wearing a mask so they can offer them a free one. Employees are required to wear a face covering.
In-person dining at food courts is expected to reopen next week, but until then food vendors are offering curbside pickup.
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