It was back-to-business for retailers across the state, but it was anything but business as usual. Retail-to-go is the new business model, and the new normal for the foreseeable future.
For the first time in weeks, La Palmera Mall was open on Friday. You still can’t go inside, but with several pickup stations ready to go, the first couple hours of retail-to-go at the mall were quiet.
But on the Southside, business was steady at Kohl’s. Shoppers there say retail-to-go is the way to go.
“I do a lot of online shopping anyway, so this doesn’t bother me at all,” said Amy Franco.
Some marveled at the convenience.
“It makes it easy, it actually curbs extra spending,” said Jessica Cummings. “You order what you want online and you get it fast and easy.”
Kohl’s was one of several national retailer already offering curbside service before today. Just like at nearby Best Buy, shoppers make their purchases online. When it’s ready, you just pull up, call the number posted, and within minutes and employee delivers the purchase. Quick and easy with minimal contact.
“I live in Portland, I live out of town, so driving to all the stores I need to makes pick up easy,” said Cummings.
Cummings says she’s been using curbside pickup since the crisis started.
“It’s been almost two months since I’ve seen the inside of a retail store or a restaurant in particular,” said Cummings.
She plans to keep picking up her orders outside until she feels it’s safe to go in stores.
“Particularly in the next month or two while we’re still trying to be cautious and not going inside when we don’t need to,” said Cummings. “I see myself using it.”
While Governor Greg Abbott will announce the next round of re-openings early next week, it’s still unclear when shoppers will be allowed back inside malls and other businesses.
At La Palmera Mall, Six tenants started offering pick up and/or delivery today:
Bourbon Street Candy Co. | (361) 985-6077 | Mon–Sat 3–6pm Phone orders only / $10 pre-packaged bags, special orders upon request ORANGE Pick-Up Location (mall entrance on top of parking garage)
Dillard’s | (361) 991-7300 | Mon–Fri 11am–5pm Text product order to (361) 232-9631 or e-mail website images to manag738@dillards.com Pick up at Dillard’s loading dock (near parking garage)
Great American Cookies | (361) 991-6699 | Sun–Sat 11am–7pm, Sun 11am–6pm Call store to place order ORANGE Pick-Up Location (mall entrance on top of parking garage)
Hallmark | (361) 991-7147 | Mon-Sat 10am–6pm, Sun noon–4pm Order online at https://trudyshallmark.com/ [u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net] ORANGE Pick-Up Location (mall entrance on top of parking garage)
Kendra Scott | (361) 288-3465 | Sun–Sat 10am–4pm Order online at www.kendrascott.com [u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net] and select “pick-up in-store” at checkout BLUE Pick-Up Location (between P.F. Chang’s and Grimaldi’s)
Steak ‘n Shake | (361) 365-1045 | Mon–Sat 11am–7pm, Sun 11am–6pm Order by phone for Curbside pick-up, or through Favor mobile app for delivery GREEN Pick-Up Location (food court mall entrance)
Three tenants are planning to begin pick up and/or delivery beginning Monday, April 27:
Buckle | (361) 991-0818 | Mon–Sat 11am–5pm, Sun noon–5pm Order by phone, through website, or special app; contact store for details BLUE Pick-Up Location (between P.F. Chang’s and Grimaldi’s)
Pandora | (361) 993-1909 | Mon–Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 11am–6pm Order and pay by phone or request a catalog to be emailed BLUE Pick-Up Location (between P.F. Chang’s and Grimaldi’s)
Reeds Jewelers | (361) 985-8536 | Mon–Fri 10am–6pm Order by phone or online at www.reeds.com [u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net] BLUE Pick-Up Location (between P.F. Chang’s and Grimaldi’s)