Macerich plans to have 35 centers open by the end of May

Macerich, one of the nation’s top mall owners, is making progress in its efforts to get properties quickly back in business in the post-COVID-19 world.

The Santa Monica-based company announced it has 20 major retail properties—11 of them in Arizona—fully open with enhanced sanitation and social distancing protocols. It promises to have another 15 centers open by the end of the month.

"These successful openings show that our town centers are a vital part of their communities. Nationwide, our centers create employment for more than 110,000 people, and our portfolio generates approximately $1.1 billion in sales tax revenues and $225 million in property taxes that support essential services at every level," said CEO Thomas O'Hern in a press release.

Changes in properties and policies were influenced by CDC recommendations and industry best practices, including path of travel, deliveries, and furniture placement. Large common areas in mall interiors made social distancing policies easier to initiate, the company said.

"This period of time has shown the importance of brick-and-mortar locations as key sales and profit drivers for most retailers,” O’Hern said. “Shoppers also are ready to get back to some of their favorite aspects of life.”