Albany Mall is open, people encouraged to shop

ALBANY, Ga. – The Albany Mall’s doors are open for business. And some of its stores are taking advantage of the opportunity to be available to the public during this pandemic.

Although there are signs in front of the mall encouraging visitors to follow CDC guidelines, there aren’t any requirements to enter the mall. It’s all up to the stores that have decided to open to enact rules and regulations. So requirements may very store to store. But regardless of rules or regulations, employees say they’re just happy to be back.

“Feels real good just to be back out in the public selling my oil they know who I am, come check out my oil. They know we are open,” says “The Oil Man.”

However being open does come with unprecedented precautions.

Precautions like masks and hand sanitizer are encouraged and some stores here in the Albany Mall are making it a requirement.

“We have a no mask no entry policy so right now I’m very comfortable making sure the customers have hand sanitizer and are okay,” says 229 store employee Jeremiah Robinson.

Robinson is thankful that the rules are in place so he feels safe being back and working.

“Yeah, I’m glad we’re open, I’ve been home for a minute.”

Although a lot of people have been feeling stuck at home, not many are rushing to the now open mall. 

And with only about 14 stores open, business is slow.

Which is why the employees here want you to safely check out what they have to offer.

Oil vendor, “The Oil Man” says, “Come check out my oil, come check out my oil.”

The mall’s temporary hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

The general manager of Albany Mall says as more people come, he expects more stores will open.