South Coast Plaza, SoCal Malls Reopen For In-Person Shopping

COSTA MESA, CA — On Monday, California relaxed some of the state's restrictions enough to reopen some indoor malls. Along with them, the mega-South Coast Plaza mall reopens to the public.

South Coast Plaza says more than 100 shops and 20 restaurants will operate, a mall spokesperson reported. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily except Sunday when it will be open noon to 7 p.m.

In a sign of the times, the mall has worked "closely with public health experts to create a safe, world-class shopping and dining environment," they said in a released statement.

When you go shopping in person these days, masks are mandatory, as is social distancing. Watch for signage reminding you not to gather in large groups, and to use sanitization stations as often as possible. Businesses have battled to reopen in a flagging economy for months. In mid-March, South Coast Plaza closed due to coronavirus concerns. The mall opened briefly to customers in June and closed a month later when restrictions were once again imposed across the state.

There has been curbside pickup, but it just isn't the same for many Orange County shoppers looking for a bit of retail therapy.

On Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced revamped rules allowing businesses such as indoor malls to reopen in much of California, depending on local coronavirus trends and municipal wishes. Malls in Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties can reopen, but not in Los Angeles County.

The pandemic has dealt a blow to shopping centers already hurt by consumers changing buying habits, including adopting online shopping.

The pandemic has prompted malls to pivot how they conduct business.

However, mega malls, such as South Coast Plaza, believe they can woo back their shoppers and diners. At South Coast Plaza, dining is offered by eateries with patios.

Curbside delivery was added, as was "The Pavilion," 14 open-air rooms where shoppers can set up appointments to shop at their favorite boutique.

Not everything will be business as usual, according to the mall. Such amenities that are temporarily unavailable or closed include:

• Valet Parking
• Carousels
• Drinking fountains (complimentary bottled water is available through the Concierge)
• Stroller and wheelchair rentals
• Package check
• Interactive Wall Art near Saks Fifth Avenue
• Stands for self-serve shopping bag purchase (bags available for purchase at Concierge)
• Display cases for handheld directories (available at Concierge)

South Coast Plaza is the largest mall on the West Coast, featuring more than 250 boutiques, 30 restaurants, and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

For more information, visit: www.southcoastplaza.com

How do you feel about the lessening restrictions on indoor shopping malls? Let us know by emailing your Patch editor, or commenting below!

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