Shopping malls begin to slowly open up with customer safety at top of mind

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BROOKFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) – With the Safer at Home order being lifted, shopping malls are starting to open back up. The latest is Brookfield Square.

The center opened its doors at 11 a.m. Monday, May 18. It was on March 17 when the state required all indoor malls to close. That was a week before the Stay at Home order was implemented.

Businesses say they’re slowly opening up and making safety a priority.

“As we’ve been planning for our reopening, the community’s health has been top of mind, and that’s why we’re implementing a number of proactive measures to help keep the community safe,” says Stacey Keating spokesperson for Brookfield Square.

The mall will be operating under modified hours and asking retailers to implement precautionary measures set forth by the health department.

“We are keeping any of our common areas closed like soft seating areas, children play areas or kiddie rides,” says Keating.

This is on top of a more vigorous daily cleaning procedure. Centers around the Milwaukee area echo similar protocols.

“We're encouraging all of our stores to come back in a very disciplined and structured way,” said Robert Gould CEO of Brookfield Corners. “We’re in no great rush, but customer safety is paramount to us and to our stores.”

Corners of Brookfield had some of its stores open over the weekend, as did the Pleasant Prairie Outlets. Mayfair has a few stores doing curbside pick-up. Bayshore is allowing its tenants to decide their opening. Southridge says they’re not announcing opening plans at this time.

“It’s exciting to a certain extent,” says Deanna Skelton, a customer a Brookfield Square. “Everybody is worried about the germs. I think everybody needs to get out, people are going stir crazy.”

“I’m happy to see the stores open so people can get back to work,” says Judy Zyble who normally walks inside of Brookfield Square. “Of course we have to wear masks, but it’s good for the economy.”

Shopping malls are encouraging people to call their stores of choice before visiting to see if they’re open or if they have special protocols.

Brookfield Square is open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 6 p.m.

You can find more information on their protocol here.

You can find information on Bayshore Mall here

You can find information on Corners of Brookfield here. 

You can find information on Mayfair Mall here. 

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