As the private and public sectors try to manage the outbreak of COVID-19, retailers across categories are taking dramatic steps to try prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
With thousands of recorded cases, and the virus found in every state, retailers from Apple to Lululemon have joined schools, workplaces and churches in closing their doors in an effort to contain the virus’ spread.
The American Dream megamall in New Jersey announced last week it is postponing the opening of several retailers and the DreamWorks Water Park, which was slated to take place March 19, and is temporarily closing the mall entirely. Others, including Walmart, are reducing hours to give employees more time to restock and sanitize stores.
The closures come as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended canceling gatherings of 50 or more people for the next eight weeks, and states including Illinois and New York ordered bars and restaurants to close.
While not exhaustive, here is a look at which retailers are closing stores or reducing hours across North America. Retail Dive will regularly update this tracker with the latest news.
Retailers with store closures and reduced hours due to the coronavirus outbreak
| Retailer | Store impact | Employee impact |
|---|---|---|
| Lush | The beauty brand announced it is closing all stores in the U.S. and Canada through March 29. As a result of the closures, Lush said it will slow down manufacturing and distribution operations. | Employees will receive regular pay during the temporary closure period. |
| Rent the Runway | The fashion rental company told consumers it is closing all of its retail stores. | – |
| Abercrombie & Fitch | The retailer announced it is closing all stores across its brands outside of the Asia-Pacific region through March 28. | – |
| Patagonia | The retailer said it is closing its stores and other operations. The company will do an assessment and post an update on March 27. | The company is closing offices and encouraging employees to work from home. All employees will receive regular pay during the closure. |
| REI | The outdoor retailer announced it is closing all retail stores nationwide until March 27. | All store employees will be paid during the temporary closure. |
| Under Armour | The athletics retailer is closing all stores in North America through March 28. | All employees will be paid while stores are closed, and have work from home and flexible attendance options. |
| Lands’ End | The retailer is closing all of its stores in the U.S. through March 29. | Employees will continue to be paid for hours they have been scheduled to work in stores, and have flexible work plans. |
| Vineyard Vines | All stores and outlets will be closed through March 27. | The company will continue to pay employees for any previously scheduled shifts, and corporate employees have been asked to work remotely. |
| Sam’s Club | Starting March 17, stores are temporarily adjusting shopping hours to 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, Monday to Saturday. | – |
| Lululemon | The athletics retailer closed all stores in North America through March 27. | Employees will continue to receive pay for all hours they have been scheduled to work. |
| Columbia | The retailer announced the closure of all stores in North America through March 27. | A work from home plan has been implemented along with “facilitation of sick leave.” |
| Gap | The apparel retailer has temporarily reduced store hours for all locations in the U.S. and Canada. The company will also close select stores based on information from officials and location-based factors like dependence on public transportation. | The company has “implemented enhanced continued pay policies” for full- and part-time employees. |
| VF Corporation | The company announced the closure of all retail stores in North America through April 5. | Employees will continue to receive full pay and benefits during the temporary closure period. Corporate and brand offices in North America will be closed until April 5, with employees working remotely. |
| Levi’s | The brand said it will close all store locations in the U.S. and Canada through March 27. | Store employees will be paid for scheduled hours during the temporary closure. |
| Nike | The brand announced the closure of all stores in the U.S. and Canada through March 27. | Employees have work from home options and staggered work schedules. |
| Apple | The company is closing all retail stores outside of Greater China until March 27. | Team members are encouraged to work remotely if their job allows. All hourly workers will continue to receive pay “in alignment with business as usual operations.” The company has also expanded leave policies. |
| Urban Outfitters | The company is closing all stores across its brands globally until March 28. | Corporate employees are asked to work remotely if possible, with other employees working in shifts to reduce density at corporate offices. |
| Rothy’s | The direct-to-consumer shoe brand announced the closure of all stores through March 31. | Retail store employees will be paid through March 31, and headquarter employees are asked to work from home. |
| Walmart | The company announced Walmart and Neighborhood Market stores are reducing hours to 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. until further notice. | – |
| Kate Spade | The brand announced stores are reducing hours to 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. through March 27. | – |
Source: Retailer announcements