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Miami-Dade lifted its emergency order this week and that means most of the county’s malls are reopening. Retail is one of the first non-essential businesses to return, but shopping will look a little different as stores large and small ease into this so-called new normal. What can you expect? Malls will open shorter hours, fewer shops will be open and seating will be restricted, among other things. Remember the boyfriend/husband chairs you’d see women send their SO to while they browsed? Those will no longer be available so that stores can better adhere to social-distancing guidelines. You will see more hand-sanitizing stations and folks wearing masks, though not every mall is requiring its visitors to wear one. Before you go in search of your favorite store only to be disappointed to find it hasn’t reopened, or trek to a mall that’s under lockdown, here’s what you should know.
Bal Harbour Shops
Opened Monday, May 18
The high-end outdoor mall reopens with a few perks for customers still wary of shopping in person, such as private shopping with sales associates and curbside pick-up for retail as well as dining—which has been in effect at Makoto, Carpaccio and Hillstone since the beginning of lockdown. While those ready to explore the open-air facilities will notice touchless elevators and increased patio seating at all of its restaurants to ensure that folks can properly socially distance. Mon–Sat 11am–10pm, Sun noon–6pm.
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The Falls
Opened Monday, May 18
Both Dadeland and the Falls are owned by Simon and following similar protocols, including providing free CDC-approved masks and hand sanitizing packets to shoppers who request them. The facilities are open and free to roam but the majority of stores remain closed. However, privately owned boutiques such as a tuxedo shop and handbag retailer, as well as locally owned Honeybee Doughnuts are operating. Mon–Sat 11am–7pm, Sun noon–6pm.
Dadeland Mall
Opened Monday, May 18
One of the county’s largest malls reopened on Monday but it’s left customers with a lot to be desired: Flagships such as Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue and smaller chains, like the Gap and Express, have not yet reopened. A select number of stores in the mall’s newest wing, like Free People, Golden Bar and Urban Outfitters, have resumed business alongside restaurants, including newcomer Barbarella (by the same folks behind Kitchen 33 at Time Out Market Miami).
Mon–Sat 11am–7pm, Sun noon–6pm.
Shops at Merrick Park
Opened Monday, May 18
This outdoor mall mixes high-end and mid-level retailers and features family-friendly grassy areas and restaurants with alfresco seating—all of which lend themselves to social distancing. Now that it’s reopened, Merrick Park will increase the number of hand-sanitizing stations, reduce operating hours to accommodate more deep cleanings and offer curbside pickup to shoppers. Masks are not required but available to shoppers free of charge if they wish to wear one. Please note: only a select number of stores have reopened (a full list is available here). Mon–Sat 11am–7pm, Sun noon–6pm.
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Aventura Mall
Opens Thursday, May 21
Though most of its restaurants have been offering takeout and its Saturday farmers’ market returned as a drive-through experience, the mall won’t reopen until Thursday. Once it does, customers can expect to see hand-sanitizing stations positioned throughout the property and fewer seating areas reduce potential crowding. A number of stores will now offer curbside pickup and complimentary face coverings will be available for those who ask for them. Mon–Sat 11am–7pm, Sun noon–6pm.
Brickell City Centre
Opens Friday, May 22
Downtown Miami’s splashy outdoor shopping mall spans five stories across three city blocks, but don’t expect it to open all at once. The theater will remain closed as will some stores. Saks Fifth Avenue will be accessible via street entrance on May 20, and dine-in service will resume at BCC’s restaurants on May 27. Parking will now be free for up to two hours, though additional validation is available for up to six hours at 50-percent off when you visit the customer service desk on the second floor. Mon–Sat 11am–7pm, Sun noon–6pm.
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