Jared, Kay and Zales to Reopen Some Jewelry Stores on Monday

(Bloomberg) -- Signet Jewelers Ltd., owner of Jared, Kay, Zales and Piercing Pagoda, will reopen some of its U.S. jewelry shops on Monday as retailers begin to unlock their doors following a prolonged shutdown due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The retailer plans to have 118 stores open by the first week of May in areas where it's permitted by state and local authorities, the company said on Friday. Some of the shops will be open for pickup service only. Signet has about 2,600 stores and kiosks in the U.S.

Some states, including Texas, Georgia and South Carolina, have started to lift restrictions on business after shutdowns in mid-March. Non-essential retailers that sell products like clothing, jewelry and furniture have lost billions in sales while closed. Macy's Inc., Dillard's Inc. and Belk Inc. department stores, as well as Goodwill thrift shops, are among the other retailers that will also welcome customers starting next week.

Malls are reviving as well. Simon Property Group, the nation's largest mall operator, is reopening 49 of its malls and shopping centers in early May. Signet will have 16 stores reopen among Simon's locations.

Bill Luth, Signet's executive vice president of global store operations, said surfaces in the reopened stores will be constantly wiped down and workers will be wearing masks and gloves. Crowd limits will be in place, depending on state requirements.

Signet has also added a new curbside concierge for services like resizing and repairs.

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