Mall Of America Announces Plan To Reopen

BLOOMINGTON, MN — The Mall of America Thursday announced its decision to reopen retail stores effective June 1. The largest shopping center in North America has been closed for eight weeks, except for pickup.

"Yesterday, Governor Walz announced retail in Minnesota will be allowed to reopen beginning May 18," mall officials said in a statement.

"There are many unknowns surrounding this health crisis, and we all may experience setbacks along the way. But this announcement is promising news, not just for Mall of America, but for our entire retail community. Mall of America is home to more than 175 small business owners in addition to hundreds of national and global brands. We are prepared to open our doors, so they can open theirs giving them the opportunity to begin rebuilding their business."

Though the Mall of America will reopen on June 1, not all retailers in its building will open immediately.

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"We understand it may be longer before some are ready to reopen," the statement continued.

"Reopening a building the size of Mall of America is no small task, but we are confident taking the necessary time to reopen will help us create the safest environment possible. We look forward to welcoming back our team members, tenants and guests."

More retail can reopen across Minnesota

On Monday, Gov. Tim Walz will begin allowing retail stores, malls, and main street businesses to reopen for in-person shopping as long as they have a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in place that incorporates social distancing protocols for workers and customers and limits occupancy to no more than 50 percent of the establishment's occupant capacity.

Read more: Minnesota Starts Reopening Monday: 5 Things To Know