Two Major Westchester Shopping Centers Partially Reopen

WHITE PLAINS—Now that the Mid-Hudson region has begun phase one of its reopening process, two major Westchester shopping centers have opened for business for merchandise pick up only.

Officials with the Galleria at White Plains outlined their plan on Wednesday, May 27 for merchandise pick-up under phase one of Westchester County’s gradual reopening of businesses.

The Galleria at White Plains has prepared for curb-side pick-up by converting a loading bay near the Sear’s store into a safe, off-street merchandise pick-up site. The site will be open starting Thursday, May 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and it will have dedicated, sheltered parking spots for customers.

Signage on Main Street will direct customers to the pick-up site. Shoppers will place their orders with retailers online or by phone and they will pay for their purchases in advance, mall officials stated.

“The Galleria at White Plains places the safety of its customers and retail staff above all other considerations. Our off-street merchandise pick-up site is safe, protected from the elements and it allows the public to maintain proper social distance while collecting their purchases,” said Ty Peterson, marketing & business development manager of the Galleria at White Plains.

As retailers confirm participation, their businesses will be added to the curbside pick-up page on the Galleria at White Plains’ website.

The shopping center’s Blink health club remains closed and group exercise is still discouraged under New York State on Pause rules, so the Galleria at White Plains is suggesting that fitness fans walk or run around the Galleria White Plains five times: the equivalent of five kilometers.

“We thought the many residents of downtown White Plains might enjoy a fitness challenge that’s not only a great workout, but is socially distant and safe. What we really like about the Galleria 5K is that it’s inclusive. People at any fitness level can do it,” said Peterson.

To the south, the Cross County Shopping Center in Yonkers re-opened its retail stores for curbside and in-store pickup only on May 27.

Shopping center officials noted that the center will operate in adherence with CDC and government guidelines in conjunction with New York On Pause being lifted for the Mid-Hudson Valley region.

Shoppers can make purchases from Cross County retailers online or via phone and come to the center for contactless delivery to their vehicle, or shoppers may visit the storefront to retrieve their package(s) there. Macy’s will be open for curbside pickup only, beginning June 1, from 11am to 5pm, seven days per week.

Craig Deitelzweig, president and CEO for Marx Realty, the property’s manager and the owner of the shopping center along with Benenson Capital, stated, “The health and wellness of our customers, employees and businesses continues to be paramount to us. Being an outdoor center has given us a significant advantage during this time. Our restaurants have been up and running throughout this pandemic and we have implemented several safety measures that will be expanded to include additional resources to help customers have a positive shopping experience. We are all very excited about this next step and expect a great level of pent-up demand for our great retailers.”

The following safety measures will be in effect to help ensure the safety of customers and workers:

• Signage will be posted in compliance with all government orders regarding social distancing and personal protective equipment as applicable (masks, gloves, etc.).

• Directional signage will be added to common areas to provide appropriate spacing for entering and exiting stores.

• Sanitization stations are strategically located throughout the center.

• Seating areas and outdoor furniture have been modified to meet social distancing requirements and seating options have been expanded.

• Restrooms have been modified to provide appropriate social distancing between individuals and will be sprayed with disinfectant sprayers.

• During this time, play areas and certain high touch amenities, such as strollers, will not be available. Signage will be posted informing guests.

• Large event activations will be suspended until further notice.

Cleaning protocols and products approved by the CDC will be used throughout the day on high trafficked touch areas. Vendors and contractors will be required to pre-screen themselves at home prior to coming to the center. All shopping center employees will have temperature checks performed prior to beginning work. If an employee has a fever, they will not be allowed to work from the property.