Here's The Status Of Philly-Area Malls During Coronavirus

PHILADELPHIA SUBURBS, PA — After more than two months of store closures due to the coronavirus shutdown orders, many area residents are now venturing out to get supplies and items at in-store retailers.

Under the yellow phase of Pennsylvania's coronavirus mitigation plan, retail businesses can reopen but indoor malls remain mostly closed, with some exceptions. Tenants in indoor malls with external entrances may open in the yellow phase if following the guidance for businesses.Additionally, pharmacy or health care tenants can operate.

Once the region moves into the green phase, entertainment venues — defined by the governor's office as casinos, theaters, and shopping malls — can open at 50 percent occupancy. There's currently no date set yet for when the Philadelphia region moves to the green phase. Several metrics must be met before that development occurs.

Indoor malls in suburban Philadelhpia owned by Simon, including King of Prussia, Oxford Valley, and Philadelphia Mills, all remain closed by government mandate.

Preit, which owns both Plymouth Meeting and Willow Grove Park malls, has not yet announced a formal reopening date for its retail properties but has launched a "Mall2Go" concept. Shoppers can order directly from each businesses' website, and then pick up orders curbside in designated parking areas.

The Neshaminy Mall in Bensalem has also launched a curbside pickup program.

Some outdoor shopping areas, including The Shops at Valley Square in Warrington, are reopening. There, some of the tenants have begun to open their doors and at least two restaurants are offering outdoor dining.

The Philadelphia Premium Outlets in Pottstown said on its website it has reopened, and offered information on new safety protocols in place.

But even once indoor malls reopen fully, shopping is likely to look quite different for some time. Patrons can expect crowd limits, social distancing measures, and other coronavirus containment strategies put into place, as evidenced by other malls that have reopened nationwide.

In the malls that are opening elsewhere, food courts are takeout only, entrances are limited, and social distancing markers are set up. Plus, traffic flow has been adjusted to reduce concentration in certain areas.

The coronavirus has hit malls hard, already prompting a string of chain store closings. JCPenney announced last month it would close 242 of its 846 stores over the next two years. Other chain retailers that have announced closings amid coronavirus include Pier 1, Victoria's Secret, and Bath & Body Works.

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