Last-minute shoppers and gift returners — changes you’ll notice at the mall

Despite the pandemic, the last-minute holiday shopping rush is still on. Malls and retail stores, which were shut down for months, are now the busiest they’ve been since COVID-19 hit.

If you’re heading to the mall — for returns or a last-minute gift — know there are many safety precautions in place and expect a little waiting, depending on what store you’re going to.

You’ll find parking lots at malls are still busy this holiday season. KIRO 7 checked Alderwood Mall, University Village, and Southcenter Mall — and all were packed.

At Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood, all stores appeared to be keeping to the 25% capacity Safe Start limit.

That means shoppers will have to stand in line to get inside. During major peak hours like the weekend afternoons, you may also have to wait in line to get inside the mall itself.

Some shoppers said the new safety precautions actually make for a better shopping experience.

“At Lush, when we were in there, it was super open. And it was nice to not be fumbling around people,” said Kirsten Weir, shopping with her mom, Linda. “You have some space, less people on your back all the time,” Linda said.

Things are different for stores too, especially small businesses.

“We are surviving,” said Alisa Inouye, owner of Savory Spice at Alderwood Mall. The pandemic has forced the shop to get creative. The store hosted a Black Friday sale on Zoom this year and shipped out orders.

“I think we did better this year on Black Friday than we do usually as a result,” Inouye said.

But Savory Spice is a locally owned franchise. So when you shop online, the sale doesn’t actually reach them.

“We are really begging people to give us telephone orders. The city of Lynnwood even gave us a grant for some marketing,” Inouye said.

Other changes you’ll see at the mall — there are stickers on the floor to keep traffic flowing in one direction and hand sanitizer everywhere.

The Santa is socially distant (though still close enough to hear children’s wishes).

Electronic people counters ensure the mall doesn’t go over that 25% capacity.

And you’ll notice a lot more security, reminding people to keep their masks on, socially distant and eat in the mall’s outdoor areas.

“By now, people kind of know what to expect when they go out. People are very patient for the most part. And so far, it’s worked very well,” said Jerry Irwin, senior general manager at Alderwood Mall.

Savory Spice stated that considering everything, it is counting its blessings this holiday season.

“We’ve gotten so much support from the community,” Inouye said. “It’s been going really, really well,” she said.

Alderwood Mall stated some changes will be here to stay after COVID-19 is over, such as all the hand sanitizer stations and the curbside pickup options.

Cox Media Group