Mayfair Mall announces plan to reopen on May 20

Updated: 5:52 p.m. on May 19, 2020

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The reopening of the Milwaukee area continues Wednesday, May 19, as Mayfair Mall opens its doors again in Wauwatosa.

The opening was announced on Mayfair's Facebook page. 

The mall says they are taking steps to make customers safe.

------

Posted: 9:18 p.m. on April 29, 2020

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Curbside pickup is now available at Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa. 


A selection of stores and restaurants are participating including Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Board Game Barrister, Bubblelicious, The Container Store, Maggiano's Little Italy, and more. 

Local small business owners say they are excited to be up and running again following the announcement. 

Owner of Blink Artisan Boutique at Mayfair Mall, Lori Reed, says it’s been difficult, even having to use the food banks. Reed says she came off a great Christmas season, only to have her store closed a few months later. She's filed a PPP loan but is yet to receive it, she's also still waiting for a stimulus check and is now living off of her savings.

Even after losing 100-percent of her revenue for the last month and a half, Reed says the curbside pickup is now a way to slowly get back in business.

“We’re in uncharted waters right now so we’re just trying to do our best to stay afloat and it’s just exciting for us really,” said Reed. 

Reed is now selling her products through a Facebook online shopping page called 'BLiNK Artisan Boutique Online Shopping.' Reed's products include unique home goods, accessories and gifts all made by 12 local artisans. 

“You’ll comment, I’ll private message you then you will give us payment, pick up a delivery date, then you’ll just pull up and we’ll put it right in your car,” said Reed. 

She’s not the only local business owner to change the way they do things.

Board Game Barrister at Mayfair Mall is used to having face to face interaction with their customers. While shoppers can now buy things online, they've also now offered a ‘personal shopper’ option. 

“We’ll call you on the telephone to make certain choices, that’s the way to tap into that experience that you expect from us without needing to set foot into the store,” said Gordon Lugauer, President of Board Game Barrister. 

Lugauer says for him, one of the most rewarding parts is being able to provide a job for his employees.

“It lets me give them something to do that is actually meaningful," said Lugauer. "We’re actually delivering something to customers and you know it’s not just twiddling your thumbs."

Other shopping centers near the mall, like the Mayfair Collection have also begun doing curbside pickup at stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, DSW and Old Navy.

Doctors say curbside pickup of non-essential stores is an experiment of balancing health risks and economic needs.

“I think if people maintain proper social distancing and continue to have diligence in the way that they protect their personal space bubble that we’ll probably be okay,” said Dr. John Raymond, President and CEO of the Medical College of Wisconsin. 

Even with curbside pickup, Lugauer says the struggle continues as fixed expenses stay the same

“You know partially open is a huge step on the way to fully re-open, but it’s still a lot closer to being closed,” he adds. 

“We’re strong, we’re gonna get through it," said Reed. "Somehow we’ll fight, it’s gonna be a slow recovery, but it’ll be a recovery.”

According to Mayfair's website, after placing an order with a store or restaurant, head to the pickup location specific to the retailer. Drivers will park in labeled spaces in a designated Mall Curbside Parking Area. 

Curbside pickup will take place 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Individual store hours may vary. 

For more information and a look at the participating stores and restaurants, CLICK HERE

Mayfair Mall General Manager Chris Jaeger shared the following statement on the news: 

"Mayfair Mall is offering curbside pick-up from 11AM - 7PM Monday through Saturday and noon - 6PM on Sundays. Pick-ups take place at the Main West entrance by Crate & Barrel, unless otherwise noted on our website. Upon arrival, guests will park in one of the numbered parking spaces, alert the appropriate store of the make and model of their vehicle, along with the parking space number. Employees of the store will then bring the purchased items directly to the vehicle. There will be no need for the guests to get out of their vehicles. 

By participating in this initiative, we are serving our customers and tenants who would otherwise not be able to operate. The well-being and safety of our shopping center community is always our top priority. We are eager to continue to work with our community officials as we navigate the changing road ahead."


Share this article: