Staff Report

The Anderson Mall plans to reopen Friday, April 24, with reduced hours of 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, but mall officials said planned reopening dates for individual tenants might vary. 

Gov. Henry McMaster has issued an executive order reopening retail stores that were closed due to the coronavirus impact. The reopened businesses include:

• Furniture and home-furnishings stores
• Clothing, shoe, and clothing-accessory stores 
• Jewelry, luggage, and leather goods stores 
• Department stores, with the exception of hardware and home-improvement stores
• Sporting goods stores 
• Book, craft, and music stores
• Flea markets
• Florists and flower stores.

Under the order, retail stores must adhere to strict social distancing requirements, operating at 20 percent occupancy or five customers per 1,000 square feet, whichever is less. In addition, businesses must not knowingly allow customers to congregate within six feet of one another, excluding families, and follow relevant CDC and DHEC guidelines.  

Mall officials said visitors should call ahead about individual tenant openings and follow on Instagram (@ShopAnderson), as well as on Facebook (@AndersonMallSC) for up-to-date information about the mall and its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The mall will hold regular blood drives at the Blood Connection near the main entrance on weekdays from 1:30 to 5 p.m. and on weekends from noon to 5 p.m.

Additionally, through a partnership with the United Way of Anderson County, the mall will be a drop-off location for food and hygiene products. Nonperishable food and hygiene items can be dropped off near the front entrance, Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. mall officials said.

All donations will be distributed equally to 10 local agencies who provide assistance in the Anderson area.

“We are inspired by the resilience of our community and look forward to safely welcoming back our guests starting on April 24,” said Chunsta Miller, general manager at Anderson Mall. “Most importantly, our call to serve transcends shopping and dining, and speaks to the heart of our mission as a true partner in Anderson. We will continue to work with local, state and federal agencies to do all we can in order to contribute to the containment, treatment and prevention of COVID-19, while finding safe and meaningful ways to aid the Anderson community.”

On Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., first responders and healthcare workers will receive a complimentary to-go lunch at the Food Court . 

The reopening on April 24 also will feature a live artist painting a memorial in honor of the first responders who have worked tirelessly to serve the Anderson community, mall officials said.

The officials said they will continue already rigorous disinfectant and cleaning practices several times a day. Hand sanitizer dispensers will be located in highly trafficked areas and walkways for public use.

For more information about Anderson Mall and its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, go to shopandersonmall.com.