For the past two or so months, many shopping centers and nonessential stores have remained closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, nearly every state has relaxed their stay-at-home orders, which in turn is allowing more and more retailers to reopen.
Let’s dive into the reopening plans of the major retailers listed below.
Apple Stores
Apple reopened nearly two dozen stores before Memorial Day weekend 2020. More and more stores will continue to reopen nationwide. You should call your local store [store locator] to find out if your location is open.
Face coverings are required for all customers and employees in the stores that are now opened. In addition, the number of customers allowed inside at one time is limited. Apple released this statement, “We’re focused on limiting occupancy and giving everybody lots of room, and renewing our focus on one‑on‑one, personalized service at the Genius Bar and throughout the store.”
Curbside pickup is available at nearly every reopened location.
Bath & Body Works
Over the last week or so, Bath & Body Works has started reopening locations nationwide. You can find which locations are open here.
The company has implemented many safety precautions in the opening locations, which includes providing hand sanitizers to customers, limiting the number of customers allowed in-store, and installing floor markings to maintain social distancing. In addition, all employees must wear masks and undergo wellness checks.
Best Buy
Though most Best Buy stores remained opened during the coronavirus pandemic, they were only open for curbside pickup services. Back in May, the retailer began allowing in-store shopping at select locations — however, it came with a catch. These reopened locations are only offering in-store shopping via appointment.
Customers can schedule a time to come in-store and browse the shelves with the help of an employee. These time slots are limited and must be made in advanced via online, the Best Buy app, or over the phone. Once you have a time slot, you will receive a call from a Best Buy associate that will walk your through the in-store consultation process, as well as all the safety measures in place.
More and more stores across the nation will open to in-store shopping via these new consultation appointments.
Costco
Essential retailers, like Costco, were able to keep their doors open during the coronavirus crisis. However, these same stores were operating under limited hours. Back in May, most Costco locations switched back to their normal operating hours. Though, most locations will continue to offer a dedicated shopping time for senior citizens from 9am to 10am Monday through Friday.
In additional, all Costco shoppers and team members must wear a face mask in-store.
Macy’s
Back on April 30th, Macy’s announced during a video conference call that they were planning to reopen 68 locations by Monday, May 4th. Now, by mid-June, the retailer expects to reopen all of its 750 stores nationwide.
In order to make this happen, Macy’s is implementing a number of safety precautions. For instance, all workers are required to wear cloth masks, some services will not be available (such as ear-piercing), and customers will not be able to try on certain types of garments. In addition, the company is installing protective plexiglass at their checkout areas.
GAP
On May 6th, GAP announced that they were planning on reopening all of their 800 locations by the end of the month. For the most part, nearly all of these locations are now reopened, including GAP stores, Old Navy, Athleta, and Banana Republic.
Like many other retailers, these reopened locations are operating under new safety precautions, which includes “rigorous cleaning routines”, the addition of social distancing signage, and requiring all employees to wear face masks while in-store.
Starbucks
Select Starbucks locations have remained open for the last few weeks, however only for drive-thru services. More locations are now reopening and expanding services. Which locations are reopened is really just a case-by-case basis. You should contact your local shop [store locator] before going.
It will be awhile before you can order a coffee or snack and sit inside a Starbucks. Though depending on your local regulations, you should be able to place an order via the app and pickup your order real soon. Most Starbucks drive-thrus are still open.
TJ Maxx
TJX, which owns TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Home Goods, announced back on May 9th that they were planning to reopen many of their stores within the next few weeks. Now which locations that have actually reopened depends heavily upon local regulations. It’s best to contact your nearest store [store locator] before heading over.