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Macy’s stores will begin reopening Monday in five states as the troubled department store chain begins a gradual return to brick-and-mortar operations.

Macy’s said 68 stores in Georgia, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas will be the first to welcome back shoppers while adopting operational changes to maintain social distancing and discourage the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Customers will be required to use hand sanitizer when trying on jewelry and watches, and employees will wear face masks, executives said in a presentation Thursday. Another 50 stores will reopen May 11.

The COVID-19 pandemic compounds the challenges for traditional mall anchors which continue to lose sales to changing shopping patterns and growth of e-commerce. In February, Macy’s announced the permanent closure of 125 stores, or approximately one-fifth of its total, in a cost-cutting move eliminating 2,000 jobs.

Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group, the nation’s largest mall operator, plans to begin reopening 49 malls and outlet centers in states that have lifted shelter-in-place orders beginning today.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has extended the state’s ban on non-essential businesses through May 18.