Advertisement 'We don't want to go risk our lives': Managers concerned about Nebraska Crossing opening Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Some general and store managers who work at Nebraska Crossing said they are concerned for their health and yours when the mall opens April 24.We are keeping their identities anonymous because they fear they'll lose their jobs for good. "These people who think that it's okay to go shopping, have they been living under a rock?" said one general manager.The managers said they found out last week through a text alert from the owner of Nebraska Crossing Rod Yates that he had plans to originally open on April 18 and then changed it to April 24. "I don't know why we need to jump the gun and go a week early. It doesn't seem right," one store manager said.Another said, "We don't want to go risk our lives and our health so people can come shop."The soft opening would come during the governor's health guidelines to stay home until April 30."I think we are going to spread the virus faster."For this story, owner Rod Yates said he can't respond to stores and their employees. But he said this Tuesday."If a customer or store employee or anyone on my team is uncomfortable with a customer and retail interaction, we encourage you not to come in," Yates said.Yates also said some retailers want to use Nebraska Crossing as a test for opening other stores across the country."There is some excitement we could possibly be the first store to open. That would be exciting for me but safety and just knowing my staff doesn't have anxiety coming to work is more important to me right now."Another manager doesn't want to be part of a test, calling it disrespectful."That's making us look like we signed up to be guinea pigs."All three managers said their corporate offices have not given them an opening date, but worry with this decision by Nebraska Crossing, it will put pressure on stores to open before they're ready. "They need to reconsider this entire thing. I don't understand how they think it's okay to not protect their community. Opening the mall back up is not protecting the community." We reached out to nearly two dozen stores at Nebraska Crossing. Here is what a few told KETV Newswatch 7."Rack Room Shoes has been in contact with mall management, who are very anxious to do a soft opening on April 24th. We are exploring our options, but are not committing to an April 24th opening. The safety of our associates, customers and the community are driving our decisions. We will continue to follow all local and state guidance in making our decision on an opening date," Brenda Christmon, Rack Room.“For the safety and well-being of teammates and consumers, Nike owned stores in North America have been closed since March 16 and remain temporarily closed. We have no further update at this time," said Tim Shaw with Nike."The health and safety of The North Face community is our first priority, so with the guidance of health authorities, local governments and the World Health Organization, we have made the decision to keep our North America retail store locations closed with a tentative reopen date of May 4," said Samantha Wannemacher, The North Face. "The Lindt Chocolate Shop at Nebraska Crossing is closed until further notice. We appreciate you reaching out," said Alicia Mohr with Lindt Chocolate.