After being shuttered for nearly four months, Destiny USA will reopen on Friday.

“We had everything ready to go for Phase 2, and then we got shut out of Phase 2 and 3 and 4,” said Mike Theiss, the owner of University Sport Shop. “So it was very, very disheartening, and you start to question like is there any end in sight, so I’m just thankful that’s behind us and hopefully we can move forward.” 

What You Need To Know


  • Malls will be allowed to reopen if they install enhanced air filtration systems

  • Destiny USA is looking forward to reopening  

  • The news came on short notice for some store owners and operators 

  • Many store owners say they are scrambling to add safety precautions, rehire employees, and restock

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that malls in some parts of the state will be allowed to open at the end of the week as long as they have an enhanced air ventilation system that could remove coronavirus particles from the air, a condition he made after they remained closed when the Central New York region reached Phase 4 of economic reopening.

"With proper precautions in place and health and safety a top priority, we look forward to restoring our centers to their dominant positions as the economic drivers of their respective regions," Destiny USA owner Pyramid Management Group said Wednesday afternoon in a statement. "We applaud New Yorkers who have been adhering to social distancing guidelines under extremely difficult circumstances over the past four months. This has clearly driven the decline of COVID-19 cases across the state. We are ecstatic to welcome them back safely and responsibly to our properties, and pledge to continue to do our part moving forward. We look forward to re-opening our properties on Friday across New York State."

Destiny USA has been closed since March 18 and says they are taking consumer safety seriously. The mall has released a series of guidelines for consumers to review before they return to shop and require that everyone adhere to the following safety precautions:

  • Wear a mask at all times
  • Refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Maintain 6 feet of social distance from others
  • Follow the one-way traffic arrows
  • Use the sanitizing stations throughout the facility
  • Avoid standing in lines or touching items you don't intend to purchase
  • Avoid entering the building if you are ill, or have been in contact with someone who is ill

The news of the reopening came about 48 hours before Destiny USA will open its doors to the public. Many store owners say they are scrambling to add safety precautions, rehire employees, and restock. 

“Ice cream that isn’t frozen isn’t very good,” said Justin Brigandi, the owner and operator of Cold Stone Creamery in Destiny USA. “So, we’re one of the more fortunate ones that a lot of our stuff doesn’t perish. I mean, I don’t have a lot of things, like we may not have some waffle products. We won’t have any soda because Coca-Cola isn’t restocked.” 

The inventory is low, but bills are piling up. Over the last few months, Brigandi said he’s missed out on about $150,000 in sales. He says he owes Destiny USA about $72,000 in deferred rent. 

“When it’s time to pay all these bills, these lights behind me will probably be going off and I’ll be going bankrupt,” said Brigandi.

The state delayed the reopening of malls, gyms, and movie theaters as most regions of the state hit the final stage of the economic reopening. Only malls in Phase 4 of reopening can open by Friday if they have the proper ventilation system in place.