Macy’s stores have been closed since March 18, but as states relax restrictions, the company is finally starting to reopen locations. Macy’s Inc. has announced plans to reopen 68 US stores on May 4, in states that have loosened coronavirus lockdowns, with more openings on the way.
 
In a COVID-19 Business Update on April 30, Jeff Gennette, chairman and CEO, and Paula Price, CFO, shared plans to reopen all of Macy’s roughly 775 stores in six weeks, if infection rates taper off as projected and state and local governments allow it. The next batch of 50 stores is scheduled to reopen May 11, although the company has declined to name which store relocations will be next.
 
This is big news considering Macy’s is the largest US department store operator by sales, but things won’t exactly be going back to normal. Since many shoppers remain cautious about the virus, the shopping experience will be greatly adjusted to fit the post-coronavirus world.
 
Safety and Cleaning
 
When stores reopen, social distancing will be the norm for the foreseeable future, and customers and employees will be regularly reminded of safety practices, both visually and with frequent overhead reminders, such as signs with health guidelines.
 
All colleagues, vendors and contracted personnel that work within the stores’ walls will be asked to complete wellness checks before reporting to work, and employees will be issued with cloth masks to wear at all times. Employees processing multiple goods or interacting with customers will be provided gloves. All employees will have access to hand sanitizer throughout the store.
 
Also, protective plexiglass will be installed at points of sale in all stores to enhance safety in the areas where social distancing cannot occur.
 
Frequently visited locations will be cleaned more regularly and visibly, including elevators, escalators, bathrooms, fitting rooms, breakrooms and frequently touched surfaces.
 
Beauty
 
Macy’s Beauty will be temporarily offering “No Touch” consultations and suspending all customer applications and spa -like services. Beauty colleagues will follow enhanced hygiene and cleaning procedures, including having testers available for customer viewing only.
 
The reopened stores will operate on reduced hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

More Coronavirus News
 
Saks Fifth Avenue recently announced it is aiming to reopen at least some of its 41 stores, including its flagship on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, by June 1.