Sawgrass Mills, more malls to reopen

Sawgrass Mills — Broward County’s largest shopping mall and one of the biggest in Florida — will reopen today, joining other retailers welcoming the public for the first time in about two months.

Shoppers will notice some changes that were made because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to reopening protocols released by the Simon Property Group, which owns Sawgrass Mills.

Masks will be offered to customers. Signs will encourage patrons to keep at least 6 feet apart from one another. Floor markings will direct people. Mallprovided strollers won’t be available. In the restrooms, some urinals and sinks will be taped off to encourage distancing.

Retail and restaurant occupancy is limited to 50% under Broward County’s reopening plan. The new property hours will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. MondaySaturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Sawgrass Mills closed its doors on March 18 — with the only exception being for retailers offering essential goods and eateries offering takeout and delivery.

Colleen Wagner, a Simon spokeswoman, declined to release a list of stores that will be open today. At another Simon mall — Town Center at Boca Raton — many stores remained closed when it reopened on Wednesday, including the Apple Store, Bath & Body Works, Express and Foot Locker. One customer described the atmosphere as “slightly dystopian.”

Other South Florida malls are set to reopen today. The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, The Mall at Wellington Green and Dadeland Mall will be back in business.

The Galleria lists a dozen retailers opening Monday, including Abercrombie & Fitch, Finish Line and Pandora. Dillard’s will open Tuesday; Macy’s will be back Friday.