THORNTON, Colo. — It has been a quiet couple of months since COVID-19 forced the shutdown of retail businesses in the metro area. But some Denver-area retailers are springing back to life after counties began lifting strict stay-at-home orders Friday.
Denver Premium Outlets in Thornton opened Saturday.
"Oh, it's fantastic. It's really exciting," Denver Premium Outlets GM Daniel Martin said.
But just like everywhere else, there are rules in place for them to be able to operate at a limited capacity.
"We're [making sure] the occupancy of the property remains within certain guidelines, and then the tenants themselves are monitoring the amount of customers within their individual stores," Martin said.
Signs around the outlet mall remind customers to practice social distancing, and hand sanitizer stations are placed throughout. Employees are wearing masks, and they are asking shoppers to do the same.
But not every store is open.
"Our retailers can choose when or whether to open or not," Martin said.
Even in the food court, there's no seating, just takeout. But like every other restaurant, it's moving forward.
"We're just excited to be at the point we're open to the general public again," Martin said.