Andrea Johnson/MDN Dakota Square Mall is bouncing back after the pandemic year.

It’s been a hard year for businesses at Dakota Square Shopping Center in Minot, but marketing director Mikalah Auer said shoppers are starting to come back.

“As the weather warms up and events are starting to happen again” there should be more activity, said Auer.

Target has been doing brisk business at the mall throughout the year, with added precautions to keep staff and shoppers safe. There is still a requirement that employees and shoppers wear masks, that they stay six feet apart and carts and other high touch areas are also sanitized to protect against the spread of the virus.

Target has also been offering curbside pickup for its customers as well as in-store pickup and home delivery.

Now that in-store shopping is back, individual retailers might choose to continue precautions such as requiring masks, offering hand sanitizer at entrances and spacing clothing racks farther apart.

Auer said other retailers in the mall, such as “Buckles” have adapted to the pandemic with options such as online shopping, home delivery and curbside pickup during the pandemic.

“The mall was never closed 100 percent,” said Auer and now more things are opening up.

AMC Theatres has reopened Thursday through Sunday to show blockbusters like “Godzilla vs. Kong.”

Auer said there are also some exciting things on the horizon.

Scheels is planning to expand its business into the former Sears area at the mall, which is “very exciting.”

H.S. Master Stylist, a locally owned shop, also was slated to open the week of April 13 at the mall.

The salon specializes in color and precision cuts for men, women and kids. The owner is a Wella-certified stylist and has extensive experience in hair services. Color services offered will include balayage, color corrections, highlights and more.

“We are excited for this local addition to the property,”said Cathy Tweten, Dakota Square Mall Specialty Leasing Manager, in information provided by the mall. “We’re proud to serve as a place where local entrepreneurs can start a new business or expand their business at the mall.”