By WKTV Staff
Kentwood’s Woodland Mall announced May 27 that it plans to reopen Monday, June 1, for shopping appointments with new sanitation protocols in place “to enhance the safety of all and to promote physical distance.”
The reopening, City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley points out, continues the promise of local economic recovery from COVID-19 caused retail business restrictions.
“The mall and (Woodland Mall management) PREIT have made a significant investment in Kentwood with the redevelopment (of the mall), which has resonated with our residents and the broader community,” Mayor Kepley said in supplied material. “We wish the mall continued success as we work collectively to jumpstart our local economy.”
While several mall retailers and restaurants have offered limited curbside pickup since March, the mall itself closed March 23. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s recent executive order permits Michigan retailers to offer shopping appointments.
Visitors will be encouraged to use hand sanitizer stations located throughout the mall, and it is recommended shoppers wear masks for the safety of all.
In order to comply with State of Michigan requirements, access and total mall occupancy numbers will be limited initially. The mall will be operating on reduced hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Some stores may modify those hours further.
Given the limited occupancy allowance, the mall will temporarily ask all guests under the age of 18 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
According to supplied material, Woodland expects many of its retailers to join Von Maur and Urban Outfitters in offering appointments to up to 10 shoppers at a time, although smaller stores may choose to limit the maximum number of shoppers further.
“To say we are excited about Monday’s reopening is an understatement,” Tony DeLuccia, Woodland Mall general manager, said in supplied material. “Our retailers are eager to welcome back customers now that shopping by appointment is permissible in Michigan. … We are truly thrilled to be opening our doors again and have spent significant time and energy to ensure we can do so safely.”
Guests will notice other changes when they return to Woodland Mall.
Parent company PREIT has “carefully reviewed policies and procedures and thoroughly cleaned the mall using CDC-recommended disinfectant,” according to supplied material. “Common area furniture and other elements where physical distancing cannot be enforced have been removed. The play area will be closed indefinitely, and food court seating has been eliminated.”
PREIT and its service providers have also established a rigorous cleaning and sanitizing schedule, particularly for high-touch surfaces. All housekeeping, maintenance and security staff will follow CDC and state health guidelines, and will be wearing masks and gloves when working.
Even during the mall’s temporary closure, it has supported West Michigan during this time of COVID-19, including hosting three community food drives, which will continue to operate during the pandemic.
“Woodland Mall has been a gathering spot for our community for more than 50 years,” DeLuccia said in supplied material. “That has not changed, even though we have made some modifications to ensure the safety of all. We are ready to open our doors on Monday and look forward to seeing our friends and neighbors again.”
For more information visit shopwoodlandmall.com.
