Woodbury Common Is Open: Here’s How to Shop Safely
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Photo by Kinton Ramen
After three months of closure due to COVID-19, the Hudson Valley’s beloved premium outlet center reopens with new guidelines and new stores that can finally be enjoyed in-person.
By Cloey Callahan and Charlotte Mac Kay
We all love to shop ‘til we drop – but recently shopping has involved less outlet hopping and more web browsing. Now, the wait for in-person shopping is over. Finally, after three months of closed doors, online deals, and delivery boxes filled with top-brand name items, Woodbury Common Premium Outlets is open to welcome guests once more.
Of course, a shopping adventure at the Outlets today is a lot different than any shopping foray a few months ago. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Woodbury Common operates under an extensive set of safety protocols to ensure the health of visiting shoppers.
To help the expectant shopper along, here’s a guide to the regulations in place, along with tips on what to bring to prepare to an in-person trip to the Hudson Valley’s mecca for designer sales.
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Before you go
Let’s be real. We’re busy, we forget things, and maybe we occasionally even forget we’re in a crazed global pandemic. For a day of outdoor outlet shopping, however, preparation is essential.
- Bring a mask for everyone in your group. All employees on premises will be masked up and entrance to stores will prohibited without a face covering. Stay safe and wear local by looking for masks at local shops in advance.
- Slip some hand sanitizer into your purse, bag, or pocket. Sanitation stations will be available in all common spaces and retail areas, but, with so many people visiting, it may be more practical to carry a personal sanitizer.
- Pack water and snacks. While the dining area is open, vending machines and water fountains are temporarily closed, so be sure to bring a quick bite to eat and enough water for the day.
- Plan for time. Occupancy limits in the stores and parking spaces mean shopping might take longer and wait lines might be a thing. Plan to avoid the crowds by staying away from peak hours and preparing to wait for entrance to fan-favorite locations.
- Bring a stroller. If you have little ones for the day, be sure to bring your own stroller. Outlet-provided ones are not currently available.
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While you’re there
Woodbury Common is still one of the Hudson Valley’s top shopping centers, but signage, social distancing infrastructure, and other changes mean a visit might look a little different than shoppers remember. Here’s what you can expect while you’re there.
Social distancing infrastructure
From one-way traffic entrances to limited seating, visitors should expect the organization of common areas to look different. Play areas are closed to the public, plexiglass guards are in place at service areas, and vending machines are closed. Bolted-down benches may be fully or partially covered to ensure people maintain social distance and other seating may be removed. Drinking fountains, store-provided strollers, and visitor booths are also temporarily closed.
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Signage
Throughout the premises, signs remind visitors to maintain six feet of distance, frequently wash hands, wear a mask, and avoid touching their faces. Signs at all entrances remind patrons to postpone their visit if they have experienced or come in contact with any flu-like symptoms.
Occupancy limits
To prevent overcrowding of spaces, individual stores have maximum occupancy limits for customers. If a store reaches its limit, customers will be asked to return at a later time or wait in a socially distanced line.
Curbside pickup and takeout
While in-person shopping is now open for all the Outlets, other shopping options remain available for many of the stores. Check the Woodbury Common store guide to see which stores offer alternatives to in-person shopping.
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Sanitation Procedures at Woodbury Common
A significant amount of work to keep the environment safe goes on behind the scenes. Here are some of the unseen sanitation and safety procedures Woodbury Common has in place.
- High-contact surfaces are frequently cleaned using CDC-approved disinfectants. These areas include restrooms, door handles, directories, seating areas, tables, recharging stations, area seating, and other touchpoints. Store hours are reduced to allow time for increased sanitation of other surfaces.
- All store employees are trained in COVID-19 policies and self-screening protocol. Staff temperatures are taken at the beginning of the day and all employees must wear masks and should take frequent hand-washing breaks.
- Retail staff will clean counters, terminals/cash wraps, and screens throughout the day. Customers are encouraged to pay with cards and use self-serving terminals whenever possible. Staff are encouraged to sanitize hands between each customer interaction.
More information on the Outlets’ safety procedures and COVID-19 rules can be found here.
Photo by Kinton Ramen
Where to Shop at Woodbury Common
Whether it’s online, in person, or through curbside pickup, Woodbury Common awaits with new retail shops, old favorites, and everything from raincoats to ramen. Over 200 of the Outlets’ food and clothing stores are ready for business, including luxury brands Saint Laurent, Burberry, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, and Coach, to name a few.
More recently, some new names have joined the list. Back in February (right before everything closed), Woodbury Common announced the addition of three more retailers, with three more expected to open soon. Now, several months later, the time has come to reap the belated benefits of these openings.
“With the introduction of these new brands, Woodbury Common continues to elevate the world-class, luxury shopping experience for all of our visitors,” says David Mistretta, Woodbury Common general manager. “The variety – and price points – available to our guests is unparalleled, and we will continue looking for ways to enhance the experience for all who choose the Outlets for their shopping and dining destination.”
Without further ado, here are the six “new” Woodbury Common storefronts that can finally be enjoyed in-person after months of online browsing.
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Abercrombie & Fitch: With hip, stylish outfits, Abercrombie & Fitch brings wearable styles for both men and women to the shopping scene.
Etro: This Italian fashion company is located on Derby Lane, between the Saratoga and Hudson Valley Districts. The storefront is a hub for women’s and men’s apparel as well as home and fragrance lines.
Justice: Girl power with tween energy is Justice’s anthem. A must for the younger crowd, this clothing outlet will open in the coming months.
Kinton Ramen: Hopping onto the Hudson Valley’s ramen-centric bandwagon, Japanese ramen bar Kinton Ramen will bring noodles, wasabi-flavored octopus, and deep-fried chicken and fish to Woodbury Common in the coming months. Kinton Ramen originated in Toronto in May 2012 as one of the city’s first authentic Japanese ramen bars.
Louis Castel: Home to trendy golf and sports apparel and accessories, Louis Castel is a can’t-miss stop before hitting the green.
Sam Edelman: Shoe lovers may be excited to hear that this celebrated brand is also a part of the recent expansion. Head to the Saratoga District to find the perfect pair for date nights, work outfits, or anything in between.