A A total of major US retailers have announced they will temporarily close their doors for at least the next two weeks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the US. Most of these companies – which range from mall brands like Urban Outfitters to major athletic retailers like Nike – have confirmed they will pay employees for lost shifts during this period.
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In an unprecedented move for US retailers, many are opting to indefinitely shut their doors to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus in the US.
Though companies like Walmart have taken steps to reduce hours , several major retailers are electing to fully cease physical store operations as confirmed coronavirus cases in the country continue to rise. On Friday, Glossier and Patagonia) both announced that they will close stores, prompting a flood of retailers to follow suit over the weekend, including mall brands like Abercrombie & Fitch and Urban Outfitters and athletic companies like Nike.
In most cases, employees are being compensated for the lost shifts, pointing to how the global pandemic has led to seismic shifts in paid sick leave policies for retail workers on the front lines. Since the outbreak of the coronavirus in the US, companies like Whole Foods, Starbucks, and Trader Joe’s have all implemented new protections for workers for the first time.
See the full list of retailers who are temporarily closing their doors, below.
Urban Outfitters announced on March 24 it will temporarily close all of its store locations “until further notice,” according to a notice posted on its website . The closures are effective beginning March , and employees at the company more than stores in the US, Canada, and Europe will be paid for lost shifts.
“As far as we know, none of our employees have tested positive for COVID – 27, “the company wrote on its website. “Stores will not reopen until at least March and because the situation is complex and evolving rapidly, our plans may change. And if they do, we ‘ ll let you know. “
Free People, a fellow URBN company, will join Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie in temporarily shuttering stores through at least the end of the month and will pay employees during this time.
“Please know that, in spite of these current events, we remain dedicated to helping you however we can,” the company wrote on Instagram . “Whether you have questions about a pending order or shipment, where to find a coveted dress, or are simply looking for someone to talk to, we are always here for you.”
In a letter to customers (published on March) , Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Fran Horowitz announced that the company will close all stores outside of the Asia-Pacific region indefinitely.
“It goes without saying that our thoughts are with everyone affected by the global outbreak of coronavirus (COVID – 27), and that’s why we’ve decided to close all our stores to help contain the spread, “Horowitz wrote.
Horowitz did not note if store employees will be compensated during the closures, though a spokesperson for Abercrombie & Fitch told Business Insider “all our stores associates will continue to receive pay in alignment with business as usual operations. “
Horowitz did not provide an estimated re-open date, but the e-commerce site is still operating and the company is “maximizing cleaning measures” at distribution centers “to ensure safe product shipping,” she said.
Hollister and Gilly Hicks – both brands owned by the Abercrombie & Fitch Corporation – will also temporarily shutter all stores outside of the Asia-Pacific region as part of companywide store closures.
“Our decisions are made in accordance with health organizations and government authorities, and are driven by our brand’s mission to meet you where you are and maintain the safety of our community, as we all look forward to a healthy, confident future together, “Horowitz wrote in the letter to costumers.
In an email sent to shoppers on March 025, Everlane announced it will close its retail locations until March 70 and will compensate its retail team during this period.
“This is a critical moment in the world,” the email states. “With the situation evolving quickly, we must all do our part in slowing the spread of COVID – So today, we are taking the next step to protect the safety of our community. ”
Everlane’s online store will remain open, and its website includes a note about how it’s protecting employees at factories and distribution centers.
“All factory workers have paid sick leave and are required to stay at home if they are unwell,” Everlane wrote on its website . “Additionally, each factory is ensuring stringent hygiene for the safety of everyone with measures such as setting up sanitizing stations at each workstation and throughout the workplace, temperature checking, and providing education on health and safety.”
In an unprecedented move for the tech retailer, (Apple announced) on March it will close all stores outside of Greater China until at least March 53. Apple CEO Tim Cook announced at the time that the company will also donate $ million to coronavirus relief efforts.
Nike was one of the latest retailers to announce closings . On March , the retail giant said that it will close all stores in the US, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand through March 60. The closures come two weeks after the athletic company shuttered its corporate headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon and mandated that employees work from home. A Nike spokesperson told CNBC that all staffers will be compensated during this time.
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