Beyond Ridiculous now... Essentially MILLIONS of people will end up losing their jobs, livelihood, possessions, homes etc over this.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/coronavirus-hits-retailers-worldwide-store-closures-and-reduce-hours-141417058.html?guce_referrer=ahr0chm6ly93d3cuewfob28uy29tl2zpbmfuy2uvbmv3cy9jb3jvbmf2axj1cy1oaxrzlxjldgfpbgvycy13b3jszhdpzgutc3rvcmuty2xvc3vyzxmtyw5klxjlzhvjzs1ob3vycy0xnde0mtcwntguahrtba&guce_referrer_sig=aqaaaig6xuvoty2wguuup5jo2oo8_kfo8tzkovxmllswdj5nw7rfle0tu2hs2h_9u8bvsujd8esiwzdgo6b0dt5uqxek5ufqmkqzwhbrx5kvroidmd17yg_g5mjljbqsdca6iuqigsofxjp7h1ciqf4b7wqknoldvfzu7jbppeumwnxuCoronavirus hits retailers worldwide: Store closures and reduced hours
Sarah PaynterandReggie WadeYahoo Finance•March 16, 2020
A closure sign in the window of an Apple Store is seen as people in masks walk by Sunday, March 15, 2020, in Pasadena, Calif. The tech giant is closing its stores outside of China for two weeks and will only sell online as part of efforts to fight the global viral pandemic. "In our workplaces and communities, we must do all we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19," CEO Tim Cook tweeted Saturday. "Apple will be temporarily closing all stores outside of Greater China until March 27 and committing $15M to help with worldwide recovery." (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
A closure sign in the window of an Apple Store is seen as people in masks walk by Sunday, March 15, 2020, in Pasadena, Calif. The tech giant is closing its stores outside of China for two weeks and will only sell online as part of efforts to fight the global viral pandemic. "In our workplaces and communities, we must do all we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19," CEO Tim Cook tweeted Saturday. "Apple will be temporarily closing all stores outside of Greater China until March 27 and committing $15M to help with worldwide recovery." (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Retailers are shuttering storefront locations across the globe to slow the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19.
On March 11, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic, and two days later, President Donald Trump declared the outbreak a national emergency.
Here’s an up-to-date list of companies that have closed retail stores or reduced hours, in the U.S. and around the world. Almost all retailers reminded customers that online stores would remain open.
Yahoo Finance will continue to update this list as more chains announce closures or changes to their operating hours.
Abercrombie & Fitch
The Ohio-based clothing retailer will close all North American stores — including its Hollister brand — beginning March 15, and in Europe beginning March 16. Closures are expected to last at least until March 28. Stores in the APAC (Asia Pacific) region will remain open. Employees will be paid during the closure.
“Based on the significant investments we have made over the past several years in our people and our IT infrastructure, we have a robust digital business. We believe that our current capabilities will allow us to continue to fulfill our customers’ needs during this unprecedented period of uncertainty,” said CEO Fran Horowitz in a statement.
AppleApple closed its retail stores outside of Greater China on March 14 until at least March 27. Greater China stores were re-opened on March 13 after initial closures because of the slowing rate of infections in the world’s second largest economy.
“All of our hourly workers will continue to receive pay in alignment with business as usual operations. We have expanded our leave policies to accommodate personal or family health circumstances created by COVID-19 — including recovering from an illness, caring for a sick loved one, mandatory quarantining, or childcare challenges due to school closures,” said CEO Tim Cook.
Allbirds
The San Francisco-based eco-friendly footwear company closed its 12 stores in the U.S. and Europe, from March 15 to March 27. All employees will receive full pay and benefits during the closure. Online stores will remain open.
“Now more than ever, we can all appreciate just how small the world truly is, and the importance of coming together to protect our global community in times of great need,” said co-chief executives Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger in a joint statement on Instagram.
Ancient Greek Sandals
The Athens-based eco-friendly footwear company said it closed stores indefinitely, in an Instagram announcement on March 14.
“The safety of our colleagues, customers and the entire community is invaluable and our top most priority,” the company announced on Instagram.
AwayThe trendy New York-based luggage startup closed its 11 retail locations (all but one in London are in the U.S.), and its monogramming services shop for at least two weeks, beginning March 16. The opening of a new Dallas store location will be delayed. Employees will continue to receive pay.
“Travel is at the heart of what we do at Away, because it brings us all together. In this uncertain time, we urge our community to continue to act with compassion and care as we consider how we move about the world, and take all necessary precautions to protect yourselves and each other,” the Away team said in a statement.
Columbia Sportswear
North America stores closed March 16 through March 27. Employees will receive pay during cancellations. They will also make online yoga and meditation classes available to boost health and mental well-being during the pandemic.
“We're living in extraordinary times and we're learning more about COVID-19 every day. We feel it's important for our employees and guests to be able to stay home and support their family, friends and loved ones,” said Celeste Burgoyne, executive vice president of the Americas, in a statement.
DisneyIn addition to its resort and theme park closures, Disney will temporarily close all retail store locations in the U.S. and Canada beginning March 17.
“As always, we are focused on the health and well-being of our Guests and Cast Members. In line with state and federal guidance, in an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our guests and cast members, we are proceeding with the closure of all Disney stores in North America,” read a statement on the company website.
EverlaneThe San Francisco-based ethical fashion brand company will close its six stores for two weeks beginning March 15. Its online store will remain open and will compensate employees during the closures.
“This is a critical moment in the world. With the situation evolving quickly, we must all do our part in slowing the spread of COVID-19,” said the company in a statement.
GapGap Inc. will close more than 100 store locations and reduce store hours at its remaining U.S. and Canada locations. Employees will receive pay during closures.
“While these situations are unsettling and ever-changing, we will continue to make decisions in the best interest of our employees, as they take care of their families and themselves,” said incoming Gap CEO Sonia Syngal in a statement.
GlossierGlossier has shuttered its physical retail stores in New York City, Los Angeles, London and Atlanta for at least the next two weeks. Employees will be compensated.
“
reconsidered my original position of ‘let’s follow, not lead’ on the retail front… This quickly became an easy, albeit painful decision,” said CEO Emily Weiss in a statement on Instagram.
GOAT
The COVID-19 closures are even hitting the sneaker resale market. Sneaker Marketplace GOAT announced that it’s temporarily closing Seller Drop-Off locations in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami until March 27. GOAT says the update will not affect its standard Ship-to-Verify method, which will continue to operate normally
Kith
The New York City-based street gear store will close its flagship stores in the U.S. beginning March 16 indefinitely. The online store will remain open.
Land’s End
The Wisconsin-based clothing line has closed stores through March 29, and will continue to pay employees for scheduled hours.
“We care deeply about our employees, customers and communities and want to be sure that we keep them healthy and safe during this unprecedented time,” read a statement by the company.
Lululemon
Lululemon Athletica Inc. closed stores in North America and Europe from March 16 to March 27. Employees will be paid for scheduled hours.
"We are taking this step to help protect our global community, guests and people, and ensure we are doing our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19," said CEO Calvin McDonald.
Lush
Lush, the UK-based cosmetics store, has closed its 258 North American stores beginning Monday, March 16 through at least Sunday, March 29.
“Because our products are all made fresh by hand weekly for our shops, these closures will also require us to significantly scale down our manufacturing and distribution operations for the duration of the shop closures,” said co-owners Karen and Mark Wolverton in a statement.
Nike
The Beaverton, Ore.-based athletic footwear company closed all retail stores in the U.S. (384), Western Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, from March 16 to March 27. Nike has 750 stores globally. Closures will include all Converse stores.
“We are taking additional steps in other Nike-managed facilities, including the option to work from home, staggered work schedules, social distancing and additional safety and cleaning steps to help protect and support our teammates,” the company said in a statement.
New Balance
New England-based New Balance temporarily closed its office, factory, and retail stores in the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe from March 16 through March 27.
All New Balance associates in North America will continue to receive their regular pay and benefits during the closures.
Opening Ceremony
The New York City-based clothing store will close New York and Los Angeles locations indefinitely. Online store will remain open.
Outdoor Voices
The Austin, Texas-based activewear store will close its 11 U.S. stores from March 16 through March 27. Community events will be postponed until further notice. Scheduled employees will be paid.
“Endorphin-boosting exercises will be more necessary than ever during these far-from-normal circumstances — stay tuned to The Recreationalist and @outdoorvoices for at-home recreation inspiration,” said the OV Team in a statement.
Patagonia
The California-based outdoor clothing and gear brand closed all stores, offices and other operations on March 13 through at least the next two weeks.
“Over the years, as our Patagonia community has been faced with challenges, I have always been inspired by how we emerge stronger and with an even deeper sense of purpose. We will persevere through this challenge, too,” said CEO and president Rose Marcario in a statement on Twitter.
Peloton
The cycle company has closed all 96 of its retail showrooms in the world from March 16 to March 29, and has closed its New York and London cycle studios to the public, but “continue to produce live content without an audience.”
In a blog post, CEO John Foley added that for now, “Our Field Operations teams will continue to deliver Peloton Bikes and Treads to people’s homes, while taking extra precautions to address the safety of both our Members and our team.”
Phillip Lim
The New York City-based clothing store will close four of its six standalone retail stores located in New York City, Los Angeles, Waikiki (Honolulu) and London until further notice. Shanghai and Tokyo locations, along with their online store, will remain open.
“It is essential that during this time, we restructure our practices and operate in accordance with the wellbeing of our colleagues and our global citizens,” the company said in a statement on Instagram.
REI
REI is closing all 162 of its U.S. stores through March 27. The company says store employees will still get paid during this time.
In a blog post, CEO Eric Artz said, “I believe [closing stores] is the right thing for our community. In fact, I believe it is our duty—to do all we can to help keep one another safe in this unprecedented moment.”
Starbucks
The coffee giant halted in-store customer seating in North America for at least two weeks starting March 15, while limiting hours and shuttering a few shops in high traffic areas.
Supreme
The New York-based streetwear company will close its New York City and London locations until further notice.
Under Armour
Under Armour will close North America stores from March 16 to March 28. Employees will still get paid during this time.
“We are monitoring the situation globally, and closure decisions are being made on a country-by-country basis as necessary to protect our teammates and customers,” said spokesperson Tara Moore in a statement.
Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters, Inc. has closed all its stores around the globe, including its namesake store brand Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, BHLDN, Free People, and Terrain, until at least March 28, the company said in a statement. The company will continue to pay employees during the closure. Online stores and subscription services will remain open.
“Because the situation is complex and evolving rapidly, our plans may change. We want to assure you that we are doing our best to protect our communities, and we look forward to the time when we realize that we have come through this, stronger than ever,” a company press release said.
Vans
Vans will be temporarily closing all of its retail locations until April 5. Vans employees will still receive full pay and benefits.
"From now through April 5, Vans stores in the U.S. and Canada will be closed to prioritize the safety and health of you and all of our store associates."
Walmart
The giant retailer reduced hours starting March 15 at its 24-hour location. Other stores will also have reduced hours.
Warby Parker
The New York City-based eyeglass retailer closed all stores March 15 through at least March 27. Employees will be paid throughout closures.
This article will be updated as more chains close stores. Please check back regularly.
