Macy’s announced plans to reopen 68 stores on Monday, May 4, in states including South Carolina and Georgia, where coronavirus restrictions are easing. The department store also said it expects to have all of its roughly 775 stores reopened in six weeks, should Covid-19 infection rates taper off and local governments allow retailers to proceed, a spokeswoman confirmed to CNBC. A second wave of about 50 stores is scheduled to reopen May 11.
The 68 Macy’s stores will be operating on reduced hours, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. About a quarter of them are in Simon Property Group’s malls. CNBC first reported 49 of Simon’s malls and outlet centers are set to reopen as soon as this roday.
Macy’s said it will take precautions, including enforcing social distancing, to try to make workers and customers feel safe. Workers will be asked to take their temperatures before they come in and will have to wear masks in stores. Only a few fitting rooms will be open. Any items tried on by customers will be held for 24 hours before going back to racks. Returned items will also be held for 24 hours.
All of Macy’s stores have been shut since March 18.
