Saks Fifth Avenue reopen after coronavirus shutdown
The department store reopened Wednesday with new in-store health and safety measures
New York City's Saks Fifth Avenue flagship store is set to reopen after enduring the coronavirus pandemic and riot violence. FOX Business' Lauren Simonetti with more.
Saks Fifth Avenue reopened its Manhattan flagship store to customers on Wednesday, weeks after boarding up its store with plywood and barbed-wire fencing to deter looting during protests over the death of George Floyd.
Saks reopened its flagship store on Wednesday. (Fox Business)
The reopening marks the first time the luxury retailer has been open to customers since March 17, when it closed in response to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. Earlier this month, the department store enlisted security guards and dogs and put up barbed-wire fencing to deter looters during the citywide protests.
Saks reopened its Fifth Avenue Manhattan Flagship on Wednesday after being closed since March in response to the coronavirus. (PRNewsfoto/Saks Fifth Avenue)
The department store revealed its iconic windows displaying the message “Saks loves New York."
Saks secured its store with plywood and barbed wire during the Black Lives Matter protests to deter looters. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Saks implemented a slew of health and safety measures in stores including enhanced cleaning protocols and regular sanitization of high-touch areas like fitting rooms and check-out locations in an effort to safeguard against the virus. The store has also installed ultra-violet handrail cleaners on all of its 22 escalators.
SMALL BUSINESSES, RETAILERS HIRE PRIVATE SECURITY TO PROTECT STORES
Elevator use will also be limited to seniors and signage has been posted throughout the store reminding shoppers to socially distance. Associates and customers are also required to wear face coverings in accordance with the New York state requirement and employees will undergo daily health screenings. Clothing that's been tried on will be set aside for 24 hours.
RETAILERS AND RESTAURANTS HIT IN PROTESTS, ADDING TO CORONAVIRUS DAMAGE
A number of luxury retailers on Fifth Avenue reopened their doors this week after companies like Apple, Target, Starbucks and other merchants boarded up locations amid protests over Floyd's death.
Bergdorf Goodman on Wednesday will start letting customers book private appointments to shop in its department store; Tiffany will pair customers with a sale associate and sanitize its jewelry after each use; and Nordstrom in Manhattan's Midtown neighborhood will provide guests with face masks as they enter, the Wall Street Journal reported.