This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

DENVER (KDVR) — As the Christmas shopping season begins, Denver metro stores continue to ramp up their safety guidelines to help keep people safe.  

Many establishments are requiring shoppers to wear a mask before stepping inside. 

Big box stores are the largest sources of COVID-19 retail outbreaks in Colorado

The Problems Solvers have been checking with several stores to see how they plan to handle the Christmas rush. In store after store, the Problem Solvers found several large businesses posting warnings for customers to mask up. 

Jessica Nelson said, “It’s a little bit sad but I also feel safe.” 

At HomeGoods in Lakewood, the Problem Solvers’ camera was not allowed inside. But in the store, we saw a clerk at the entrance checking for masks.  

A HomeGoods spokesman told FOX31 the store is “enhancing cleaning regimens,” “limiting occupancy,” and “encouraging social distancing.”  

At Lowe’s, our cameras were not allowed in the store either.  

In a statement, Lowe’s says one way it’s trying to keep shoppers safe is by offering free delivery for fresh trees. Lowe’s says stores are using an app to count customers and limit occupancy.  

Shopper Melissa Durfee said, “I love that they clean the carts for you, so you don’t have to worry about when you grab your cart you go in and it’s clean.” 

Grocery stores like Safeway offer sanitizing towels for carts and shields at registers. Inside, the Problem Solvers found workers sanitizing carts. The store says it’s only allowing 50% capacity.  

Safeway Director of Public Affairs Kris Staaf said, “We’re looking at transactions during busy times. We’re counting how many people are in and out of store, making sure we don’t have too many people in the store at any one given time.” 

In Westminster, small businesses at the Orchard Town Center have created an outdoor Christmas Village where shoppers can stay safe. 

Kristiana Miller, who co-owns a shop there called Whimsy Paint and Sip, said the setting helps people “enjoy the season and make it feel like Christmas in spite of the fact that things aren’t exactly the same right now.” 

Orchard Town Center has also set up a number of hand sanitizing stations around the property.  

Retailers are now hoping to avoid the usual last-minute mad rush we’ve seen Christmas after Christmas.