Belk department stores in South Carolina and Arkansas will reopen May 1 after being closed for weeks due to COVID-19. The maneuver makes Belk the first major retailer of the "nonessential" variety to announce a return to brick-and-mortar operation. Republican Gov. Henry McMaster of South Carolina issued an order indicating that nonessential stores could begin to reopen on 21 April. However he did put certain restrictions on the reopenings, insisting each store will be limited to five customers per 1,000 square feet of retail space or 20 percent of occupancy, whichever is less.

"To help protect our Belk community, we are following all recommended precautions from local health officials and the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] as we begin the reopening process. Stores will begin by opening from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and we will be limiting the number of people in the store to ensure social-distancing standards are observed. We recently launched curbside pickup at select stores, including all stores that will be open in May, which offers an additional limited contact shopping option" Belk said in a statement.

The company added that stores will reopen by geographical area "based on local and state protocol and will continue to adhere to the guidance of the CDC and local health authorities. We anticipate additional store openings in more states the first week in May."

The 130-year-old, private equity-owned retailer operates 35 stores in South Carolina and seven stores in Arkansas.