Gov. Greg Abbott’s newest executive order allowed stores to reopen Friday as long as retailers keep crowds to 25% of capacity. However, at least three major San Antonio malls remained quiet.
Brian Schroeder is the general manager at The Shops at La Cantera. He says three anchor stores and 11 shops are sticking with curbside operations for now.
“The feedback that we have received from retailers is that the customers appreciate the fact that they can continue to get items quickly and safely from their favorite retailers at our property,” said Schroeder.
North Star Mall is also sticking with curbside according to general manager Brenda Crawford, but she said shoppers are ready to browse again.
“Our research indicates that 70% of people are looking forward to getting back in the store and shopping,” said Crawford.
She added they’ll adjust business practices as the COVID-19 outbreak permits.
Broad swathes of the parking lot at the Alamo Quarry Market remained empty. Only about half the stores were open for business.
Most of the stores that let customers inside were big boxes and chains like Michael’s, Office Max and Bed, Bath and Beyond.
25-year-old Michael Ryan bought sneakers with a friend at a mostly empty Rack Room Shoes. He said he’s trying to stay safe by wearing a mask and staying 6 feet apart, but he’s not afraid to be out and about.
“My dad’s older, he’s about 70, so like of course I got to make sure I’m not coming into contact with people, but for me I don’t have a problem with going places,” Ryan said.
A handful of stores at the Quarry, including Old Navy and GameStop, offered curbside pickup.
The only truly busy part of the shopping center was the Whole Foods grocery store.
Camille Phillips can be reached at Camille@TPR.org and on Twitter at @cmpcamille.
Brian Kirkpatrick can be reached at Brian@TPR.org and on Twitter at @TPRBrian.
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