Westmoreland, Monroeville malls remain open as others around Western Pa. close

While several malls across the region shutter in response to the growing threat of the coronavirus, Westmoreland and Monroeville malls for now remain open, keeping their hours unchanged.

Despite the decision to remain open, just over 20 stores were dark Wednesday in Westmoreland Mall, with signs posted that they are temporarily closed for the safety of employees and the public. Gov. Tom Wolf on Monday called on nonessential businesses to close to help stop the spread of the virus, though he noted it was up to individual businesses to heed the order.

“Mall hours will remain unchanged in order to allow our retailers the flexibility to operate. However, certain retailers will follow their own corporate guidelines for temporary closures and modified operating hours,” said Stacey Keating, spokesperson for CBL Properties, the Tennessee-based entity that owns Westmoreland and Monroeville malls.

Indiana-based Simon Property Group, which manages Ross Park Mall, South Hills Village and the Grove City Outlets, announced it was closing all retail properties including malls and outlets starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday and running through March 29.

The Mall at Robinson announced it would temporarily close beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday.

“The health and safety of our shoppers, retailers and employees is of paramount importance and we are taking this step to help reduce the spread of covid-19 in our communities,” David Simon, CEO and president of Simon, said in a news release.

Officials announced Tuesday the Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills would shutter indefinitely the enclosed part of the mall. The Frazer-based mall advised shoppers to check with other stores outside the mall about their status.

While Hempfield-based Westmoreland Mall and Monroeville Mall are not closing due to the virus, events like the Easter photo program are canceled.

The list of stores closed at Westmoreland Mall as of Wednesday included Alline Salon, American Eagle, Barbara Ann’s, Bath & Body Works, Buckle, Champs Sports, Christopher & Banks, Claire’s, Express, Hallmark, Hollister, Hot Topic, J.C. Penney, Macy’s, Old Navy, Sprint, T-Mobile, Torrid, Victoria’s Secret and Yankee Candle.

L Brands, parent company of Victoria’s Secret, PINK and Bath & Body Works, announced Tuesday the stores will be closed across the U.S. and Canada. American Eagle, the Pittsburgh-based national retail chain, announced similar precautions the same day.

In the food court at the Hempfield mall, the Pittsburgh Popcorn Company and Panera were temporarily closed. Officials on Tuesday closed food court seating areas in both Westmoreland and Monroeville malls, Keating said, noting that mall restaurants could remain open for carry-out orders. It was also requested that food court tenants discontinue using food trays.

Charley’s Philly Steaks, Famous Wok and Subway remained open. Other mall businesses that were open included AT&T, Blue Monkey Vapes, Europe Nails, Game Stop, Jesse Custom Tailor, Rue 21, Scrub Shack, Shoe Dept., Singer Specs and Zumiez.

“We could close, but we have bills to pay so we have to take whatever business,” said Heide Torock, manager at Scrub Shack, a mom-and-pop business. “There are a lot of people calling and asking if we are open. So it is helpful to be able to come in and get stuff.”

Other stores modified their hours.

“In an effort to support our communities, GNC is committed to providing the essential products and services sought by consumers to support their immune health and wellness,” reads a sign posted on GNC’s doors. Those who plan on going to the store, which has modified hours, are asked to not congregate and to use curbside pickup when possible.

According to a notice posted on the mall’s website, officials are monitoring the situation. If a confirmed case is found in either facility, mall officials will work with local, state and federal health officials to implement next steps.

“We’re kind of just riding it out, seeing what happens,” Torock said.