Southwest Florida malls reopen Friday

You can finally get ready to shop, as three of Southwest Florida’s enclosed malls are reopened Friday.

Port Charlotte Town Center, the Edison Mall in Fort Myers, and Coastland Center in Naples all reopened at 45% capacity.

When you visit to the Edison Mall, the store owners hope you come. You’ll notice it’s different than the last time you visited.

Hand sanitizer stations are at every entrance. Shoppers are seen wearing masks.

“I just wear this for the extra precaution,” shopper Randolph Garcia said

“Essential, essential at least for myself,” shopper Patricia Duhaime said.

Speaking of essential, the cleaning staff is more visible than ever, constantly wiping down surfaces and touch points throughout the mall.

And Department stores such as Macy’s, JC Penney, Victoria’s Secret and others will reopen in the coming days.

“My wife is the one that sent me over here to get some things out of Yankee Candle and Bed bath & Beyond,” Garcia said. “And they’re closed, so bad news but good news.”

Good news because Garcia is glad to get out of the house

“I’m happy today,” Garcia said.

And others we spoke to are happy as well.

“It just feels good to do something a little normal,” Duhaime said.

“We’re just here to check it out, get a pair of sneakers,” shopper Bob Ferrara said.

Stores such as Skechers and Pandora have markers on the floor to keep everyone in a line, to ensure social distancing.

“I think, if everybody respects everyone’s space, stays in your own little bubble, I think will be fine as long as you keep your stuff on and sanitize,” Duhaime said.

“Little by little, everything won’t get back to normal,” Garcia said. “It’s safe in there. Everyone’s keeping their distance, so it’s a good thing.”

The mall’s general manager told us having the stores reopen in phases instead of all at once is a good thing. That allows the mall staff to review their safety protocols and adjust as the crowds build back up.