By Katie Kohler

Although it’s nice to see packages at your doorstep, it lacks the appeal of a “real” retail experience. Remember that? Clothes, shoes, jewelry and more all in their physical form right in front of you!

Some of the best shopping in the country can be found right here in Montgomery County. King of Prussia is the second largest shopping mall in the United States.

There’s also a number small towns with streets perfect for walking and shopping. Here are some things to know before you go shopping in Montgomery County.

Currently, Montgomery County is in the Green Phase of the Pennsylvania’s reopening plan.

Per regulations from the state:

• Masks are required in businesses.
• Shopping malls open at 50% capacity.
• Indoor Dining open at 25% occupancy

King of Prussia

The King of Prussia Mall is open. It is home to anchor stores Nordstrom, Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Primark and about 400 other stores.

On the go? About sixty stores at the King of Prussia mall offer Curbside Pickup.

King of Prussia Mall’s temporarily reduced hours are:

Mon-Sat: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 6 p.m.

Ready to go shopping again at King of Prussia Mall?

Here are some things to know before you go.

• Masks required for entry to stores.
• Masks, sanitizing wipes and temperature testing are available for shoppers at the Mall Office.
• Employees with a fever, cold and flu-like symptoms are required to stay home. Daily temperature checks are required for all employees.

*Can’t wait to go visit your favorite store? Be sure to call before you go to make sure they are open. Although the King of Prussia Mall officially reopened on June 26, not all stores resumed operations.

King of Prussia Town Center

If you are looking for an outdoor alternative to the King of Prussia Mall (or any mall), you’ll find it at the King of Prussia Town Center.

It’s a nice mix of retail, restaurants, and outdoor space to simply relax.

“We are excited to welcome guests back to King of Prussia Town Center and encourage the patrons to practice social distancing while showing off their favorite mask,” said Allie Seifert, King of Prussia Town Center Spokesperson.

“The town center businesses have taken safety measures including expanded outdoor dining while placing an emphasis on promoting social distancing, adjusting hours, and continuing to provide curbside and takeout options.”

Willow Grove Mall

Willow Grove Mall is now open. It features about 120 stores and anchors like Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Primark, and Nordstrom Rack. A list of stores currently open is listed here.

Willow Grove Mall offers contact-free pickup with Mall2Go. It allows customers to order online at their favorite store, pull up and to one of the Mall2Go pickup parking spots near Entrance 3 Main, and let the store know you arrived.

The Willow Grove Mall’s updated hours are:

Monday-Saturday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 6 p.m.

Here are some things to know before you go shopping again at Willow Grove Mall.

• Shoppers are required to wear masks in accordance with state regulations.
• The mall thoroughly cleaned the entire facility during the closure have removed common area seating.
• Hand sanitizer locations available throughout the mall.

Plymouth Meeting Mall

Plymouth Meeting Mall offers a bit of a different experience than the other malls in Montgomery County. Aside from retail, it presents visitors experiences like Legoland Discovery Center and Dave & Busters. A list of open stores and restaurants is available and updated here.

A number of stores at Plymouth Meeting Mall have curbside pickup through Mall2Go. Simply order online and call when you are parked and ready to pick-up. Mall2Go pickup parking spots are located near California Pizza Kitchen.

Plymouth Meeting Mall’s updated hours are:

Monday-Saturday: 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 6 p.m.

Here are some things to know before your next visit to Plymouth Meeting Mall:

• Shoppers and employees are required to wear masks
• Hand sanitizing locations available throughout the mall
• Common seating area removed.

Montgomery Mall

Montgomery Mall in North Wales has over one hundred stores for shoppers to enjoy.

Eleven stores at Montgomery Mall currently offer curbside pickup.

Montgomery Mall’s updated hours are:

Monday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 6 p.m.

Here are some things to know before your next visit to Montgomery Mall:

• Per state regulations, masks required for entry to stores.
• Social distancing markers placed in queue areas.
• Masks, sanitizing wipes and temperature testing are available for shoppers at the Mall Office.
• Employees with a fever, cold and flu-like symptoms are required to stay home. Daily temperature checks are required for all employees.

Outdoor Shopping in Montgomery County

Looking to get fresh air and some retail therapy? Montgomery County boasts a number of towns with open sidewalks and streets dotted with small business and restaurants.

Keep in mind that (just like some stores at malls), it’s best to check if your favorite store is open and what their hours hour since businesses are adapting as they reopen.

Limerick

The Philadelphia Premium Outlets are once again open! Their health and safety protocols are listed here.

Philadelphia Premium Outlets’s hours are:

Monday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 6 p.m.

The 553,00 sq. ft. open-air outlet mall is located right off Route 422. It’s home to over 150 stores where shoppers can big name brands at outlet prices.

Ardmore

Suburban Square in Ardmore was one of the first shopping centers in the country when it opened in 1928. Shoppers still shuffle through over 90 years later! The entire town of Ardmore has a historic vibe and is the “Main Street of the Main Line.”

Ambler

Downtown Ambler has enchanted residents and visitors for years. East Butler Avenue is filled with restaurants and shops that add to the charm of the town.

Lansdale

A stretch of small businesses await you in Lansdale. Places like Boardroom Spirits and Round Guys Brewing enhance Lansdale’s unique flavor. All of Boardroom Spirits ready-to-drink cocktails are made with 100% fresh-squeezed juices, house-made syrups, handcrafted daily. Yes, they offer same-day delivery or curbside pick-up.

Bruce Schwartz, a board member of civic nonprofit Discover Lansdale and a member of the Lansdale Borough’s Economic Development Committee commented:

“Wherever you live, now’s a crucial time to turn out for our small businesses and support local. In many ways, Lansdale never closed. Like small towns everywhere, we adapted as much as possible to COVID-19. Essential services, curbside pickup and delivery, contactless shopping and shipping. But now, Lansdale’s back in business — cautiously, of course, following or exceeding all guidelines.  

“We’ve got an incredible diversity of cuisines, from Thai to Greek to Italian to Middle Eastern to Southern BBQ, plus taverns, luncheonettes and fine dining, both outdoors and in. We’ve got two great breweries, a world-class distillery, a hometown coffee roaster and a nearby winery; a unique mix-your-own fragrance lab; boutiques, gift shops, thrift store and more, all in a warm, walkable downtown atmosphere.”

Skippack

Enjoy the fresh air while seeking out eclectic treasures along Skippack Pike.

The leadership team at Skippack Village said:

“We are so very happy to say that most shops and restaurants in Skippack Village have re-opened! Of course, with all the necessary precautions to keep you safe. Many shops have adjusted to accommodate this new normal we are all experiencing for the first time. We look forward to welcoming the return of visitors to our Village!”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katie Kohler is a Philadelphia-area based award-winning journalist. She contributes freelance articles to the VFTCB and is the lead writer at PlayPennsylvania.com where she covers the Pennsylvania gambling industry.

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