Nearly one month after the mass shooting, the Allen Premium Outlets re-opened to the public on Wednesday.
The shopping center has been closed since a gunman opened fire on May 6, killing eight people and wounding several others before an Allen police officer shot and killed him.
It was a day filled with mixed emotions in Allen, as life is starting to get back to some sort of normal. Shoppers told NBC 5 it doesn’t feel the same but they know the first step to moving forward, is facing the fear.
“It’s OK to be afraid but we can’t allow bad things to dictate our behavior,” said Andrew Taylor, who was bringing his daughter to the outlets on Wednesday. “Without pain, we don’t have growth."
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Community members and faith-based organizations stepped up to help ease their return.
Allen High School teacher Katelyn Reed started an online push to 'adopt a shop' ahead of the reopening. The effort aims to 'adopt' as many stores within the outlet mall and fill a basket with snacks for people returning to work this week.
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For more information on the 'Adopt a Shop' effort, click here.
Dan Scott brought his guitar to the outlets and played music outside of the stores after his wife shopped for a new purse.
“Life goes on, you don’t have to hide from things," he said. "Just keep going on living. Watch out, keep alert and hope for the best."
Despite the reopening, crowds remained relatively thin throughout the day. Some customers reported still feeling a sense of alert while shopping.
“It just feels different. It’s usually so much more busier than this," said Mykayla Angel, who was visiting from Broken Bow, Oklahoma. “When some people walk out, the [employees] lock the doors behind them, so they have to let you in. So it’s very different. It’s a sad world that we live in, but we have to worry about that.“
On most store windows are stickers that say "Allen Strong," which were provided by the outlets' owners, Simon Property Group.
In a statement, the owners said its 120 stores and restaurants have the flexibility to resume operations at their own pace over the next several weeks.
“It’s kind of exciting and kind of nerve-racking," said Carringtyn “CJ” Johnson, who works at Finish Line. "I came up here before the mall opened, and I got chills when I walked in because shooting just happened. People lost their lives.”
Across the property, there is a heavy security presence of guards and Allen police officers. Allen Police operates a substation on the property to support on-site police services. The increased security is expected to continue through the weekend.
“I’m glad they’re here. It’s a good thing that they’re here protecting the citizens that are wanting to still get out here and shop," said Susan Rhorer, who was shopping with a friend. "It’s not bothering me. I mean you can’t live in fear, so I’m going to do what I got to do.”
Six comfort dogs with Lutheran Church Charities were also on patrol to support shoppers and store employees. Some dogs will also be back out again on Friday.
“We realize that healing is going to take a long time, so this is the first step to come out on the day of reopening to just be there for them and let them know that we still remember and that we’re here for them,” said Carolyn Nussman with Lutheran Church Charities' K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. “We’re just here to spread love, welcome them and let them know that we care about them and so do the dogs. The dogs just love on them.”
The dogs have spent the last several weeks visiting schools across the area to meet with students, first responders and others in the community who need a little extra comfort.
A temporary memorial that was established behind the outlets was removed about two weeks ago, with many items distributed to victims' families and other items given to the City of Allen.
A permanent memorial to honor the victims is still in the works, according to a statement on the mall's website. It is expected to take several months.
CIty of Allen Mayor Baine Brooks also released a statement earlier this week, stating:
"As Allen Premium Outlets reopen and our community continues to work through the process of healing, we will remember those who lost their lives, friends and loved ones. We will be grateful for the first responders and citizens who helped those in need. We want to support the staff returning to work at the outlets and keep them, their friends and families in our thoughts. We all want to stand together to heal, to remember and continue the compassion and care that makes Allen strong."
