Bellis Fair reopens in Phase 2 with limited stores, new safety guidelines in place
After being mostly closed for more than two months during the coronavirus pandemic, the Bellis Fair mall in Bellingham reopened on Tuesday, June 9.
According to its website, Bellis Fair mall opened at 11 a.m. Once open, hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
About one-quarter of tenant stores appear open in the first hour of business. Anchor stores such as Macy’s, Kohl’s and JC Penney are not yet open.
Target and Dick’s Sports Goods remain open.
General Manager Austin Israelsky said he expects to see tenant openings steadily increase as time goes on.
In making its announcement, the mall said it has implemented a variety of measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus during this Phase 2 period. Those measures include hand-sanitizing stations and social distancing directions.
In addition, while in the mall’s common areas, employees will wear face coverings that cover the nose and mouth. Masks are recommended by not required of customers in mall common areas, Israelsky said. However, some stores may require customers to wear masks.
The reopening of Bellis Fair comes at a time when national retailers and malls have struggled mightily during the coronavirus pandemic. On Tuesday, June 9 the Skagit Valley Herald reported the Cascade Mall in Burlington is closing at the end of June. Some of the businesses at the mall that face Interstate 5 could possibly remain open, like the movie theater, Chuck E. Cheese and TJ Maxx, but the interior part of the mall will close. The Skagit Valley Herald listed 18 businesses in the interior part of the mall that are expected to close.
At Bellis Fair, about half of customers and nearly all mall walkers who returned during the first hour of opening day appeared to be wearing masks.
“We are working diligently to provide a safe, clean environment where people feel comfortable shopping, dining and enjoying their time,” the mall said in a statement.
Traffic inside the mall was pretty light, with a few dozen people walking in the common areas inside the mall. One business that was busy early on was Nana Doggie Grooming, which also offers pet daycare for shoppers. Owner Hwasun Kim said she has a lot of bookings for pet grooming and getting the dogs’ nails trimmed. With social distancing rules in place, she is only handling one pet client at a time.
The food court has about one-third the seating. Food court tenants are encouraged to continue carryout and takeout service. The tables and chairs were spread far apart, and the few people using them in the first hour of open sat in small groups of 2-3 people.
Valet services, play areas and stroller rentals are so far unavailable. Restrooms are available, but water fountains are closed.
Here is a list of stores and food businesses observed being open at the mall as of noon on Tuesday, June 9:
Food: Chipotle, Buffalo Wild Wings, La Herencia, Cinnabon and Auntie Anne’s pretzels.
Services: Verizon, Nail Tech, Beauty Nails, Nana Doggie Grooming, Sola, Cellairis, Star Watch Service, Shoe Stop.
Clothing: Forever 21, Blooming, Zumiez, Old Navy, Pro Image, Journeys, CJ Banks.
Anchor stores: Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Gifts: Wishes.
Shoes: DSW, Shoe Dept.
Other: Vitamin World, Ulta Beauty.
This story was originally published June 9, 2020 at 11:23 AM.
