Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets opens in Michigan City

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. - With Indiana progressing further toward economic re-opening, more and more public places are opening back up. The latest is Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets in Michigan City.

The outlet mall had been closed for more than a month as part of Indiana's response to the Coronavirus.

Friday saw the property open as well as several stores. Some stores are waiting for the go-ahead from their owners before welcoming shoppers back in.

People in Michigan City are cautiously optimistic about the re-opening, feeling excited about a chance for people to get back to work and be with friends again.

"As long as people keep their distance and are socially responsible, I think it's fine," said Tom O'Malley, a frequent outlet mall shopper.

The outlet mall's re-opening is a risk, according to at least one medical professional.

"When you think about it, it is kind of scary just because it's like 'Oh gosh things have been closed and not operating,' but at the same time, my thought process is 'ok if you can go to the grocery store, what's the difference between getting your essential groceries' as opposed to 'ok you're running out of t-shirts and you need t-shirts.' What's really the difference? I don't know," said Alexis Gray who is a Franciscan Health nurse.

As business begins to return to Michigan City, tourists are finding their way to the lake's shores, as well, including Demonte Brooks who was visiting Michigan City from Central Indiana.

"I think outlet malls are a great opportunity for the community to come together and socialize more," Brooks said. "They bring in a lot of revenue for the community so that way, you can help build it up. I just think it will be a nice thing around here."

The mall has signs out listing the procedures by which shoppers must abide to ensure everyone's safety.