For more than a month, "non-essential" stores have been closed to the public to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, and many were limited to shipping online orders to customers' homes. On 24 April, Texas, the second-largest U.S. retail market after California, along with South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, started to reopen their economies. Several staffers at major retail chains, including J.C. Penney Co Inc and Saks Fifth Avenue, reported for duty at some Texas based stores, selling merchandise "to-go" for orders placed online. Even with curbside service, chains have sharply curtailed signature department store services. Makeup applications and spa services are unavailable, and personal shoppers cannot interact with clientele in person. They have been using Zoom, Instagram, text and email instead.

Penney, which is exploring filing for bankruptcy protection, offers curbside pick-up starting at certain store locations in Texas, including San Antonio and Dallas.

Dallas-based Neiman Marcus, which also is preparing to seek bankruptcy protection, allows customers to collect online orders, gift cards and alterations via curbside pick-up at all Neiman and Last Call locations in Texas. Upon arrival, an associate - wearing a mask and gloves - will deliver the product to the customer without making any contact.

Saks Fifth Avenue stylists and personal shoppers sent messages to Texas-based clients telling them they can schedule appointments to shop online and collect merchandise curbside, or make returns, at two Saks stores, one in San Antonio and one in Houston. The personal shoppers can also advise customers on what purchases to make, though not in person.

full article: Department stores offer curbside service as stores reopen

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