Retailers, shoppers excited about reopening

With the quarantine cautiously being lifted, retailers are excited to see customers walking through their doors again. And likewise, it seems a lot of shoppers are excited to pull out the wallet.

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County is moving forward rapidly with its reopening plan and so is the city of Los Angeles.

Further north in Ventura County, long lines at one retailer shows what Los Angeles might expect very soon.

“Stores like Ross are finally reopened after the longest quarantine,” said Shopper Isabell Barreiros.

With masks on, shoppers who appeared to be doing their best to social distance, lined up in Simi Valley, for a trip to Ross. The discount retailer opened its doors for the first time since Mid-March and most say they don’t mind the 2-3 hour wait.

“I will say I haven’t had a cough or a sneeze while I’ve been in this line,” said Ashley Workman.

On Wednesday, L.A. County updated it’s health orders to reflect the reopenings.

“So we will now be opening houses of worship offices in store shopping at retail establishments and this includes indoor malls and shopping centers,” said L.A. County Health Director Barbara Ferrer.

Shopping post-pandemic will require stores to operate at 50 percent of full occupancy. Employees and customers will be required to wear masks. Stores will offer hand sanitizer and have increased cleaning protocols.

There will also be reduced seating at mall food courts and markings on the floors to foster social distancing.

Meanwhile, back at Ross, shoppers say the changes are worth it to score that perfect bargain.

“It was actually pretty clean probably because they had so much time to get things ready the line went really quick it was good,” said Lauryn who didn’t want her last name used.

Things are evolving and changing so rapidly that retailers are racing to reopen by this weekend or sooner.

And on that note, the Citadel outlet mall in commerce announced it will be open Thursday.