These retailers are closing stores to slow coronavirus outbreak
- Major retailers across the country are shutting down their stores in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
- Others are reducing store hours or pitching in to offer space for virus testing.
- The largest U.S. mall owner, Simon Property Group, is also temporarily closing all of its malls and outlet centers.
Major retailers across the U.S., including Macy's, Apple and Nike, are shutting down their stores or reducing hours in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The decisions, while smart for customers, workers and the community at large, will no doubt weigh heavily on the already-stressed industry. One analyst has estimated this could result in a record year for permanent retail store closures, which could mount to over 15,000.
A lot of these retailers are still keeping their websites up and running, encouraging consumers who might be holed up at home to order online instead. But it is unclear what kind of demand they are seeing for items such as apparel and home goods.
The largest U.S. mall owner, Simon Property Group, is also temporarily closing all of its malls and outlet centers domestically. Starting 7 p.m. local time on March 18, all of Simon's malls will go dark until March 29. Simon notably marks the first major retail real estate owner to make such a broad-sweeping decision. This includes Roosevelt Field Mall in New York, Northgate Mall in Seattle and Lenox Square in Atlanta.
"The health and safety of our shoppers, retailers and employees is of paramount importance and we are taking this step to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities," CEO David Simon said in a statement.
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and Taubman Centers have also temporarily closed their malls, including Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, New Jersey, and Beverly Center in Los Angeles.
Meantime, retailers such as Walmart and Costco that sell essentials including food, medicine and cleaning supplies have seen a surge in demand. Some of these retailers are adjusting their hours to allow more time for stocking shelves and cleaning stores.
Here are some of the announcements retailers have made so far, sorted in alphabetical order by company name. (NOTE: This list is being updated daily as new announcements come in.)
Abercrombie & Fitch
From March 15 through March 28, Abercrombie & Fitch plans to close all its stores outside of the Asia-Pacific region. In addition to its namesake brand, the retailer operates Hollister stores. It has more than 850 stores worldwide. The company said employees will still receive their full pay during this time.
"The decision to close all our stores outside of the APAC region has been done with a focus on the wellbeing of our associates, our customers, our partners, and our communities, and it is in keeping with our commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen," said CEO Fran Horowitz.
But the store closures are creating much uncertainty about the retailer's business, prompting the company to withdraw the financial outlook it issued earlier this month for both the fiscal first quarter and full year.
Adidas
The sneaker maker is temporarily closing its Adidas-owned and Reebok-owned stores in the U.S., Canada and Europe, starting March 17 in the U.S. and Canada, and March 18 in Europe. Adidas said the closures will last through March 29. The company said its workers will still receive pay for the hours that they have been scheduled to work during this time.
Allbirds
Corporate staff is working remotely, but all stores are closed in the U.S. and Europe from March 15 to March 27. The shoe retailer will continue to offer its employees full pay and benefits during this time.
"It's hard to navigate the unknown, but as we continue to better understand how to slow the spread of COVID-19 we want to do all we can to keep our customers, employees and local communities safe," co-founders Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger said in an email.
American Eagle
The apparel retailer is shutting all of its stores, including Aerie, in the U.S. and Canada until at least March 27. American Eagle said all store workers will be compensated during this time period.
American Eagle also has withdrawn its first-quarter 2020 earnings outlook, "as management expects store closures and the impact of COVID-19 to have a material adverse impact on financial results."
Apple
The iPhone maker closed all of its stores outside greater China until March 27.
"As rates of new infections continue to grow in other places, we're taking additional steps to protect our team members and customers," Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a blog post. Apple had closed all of its mainland China stores in early February, but by March 13, they had reopened with limited working hours. Cook said that all hourly workers "will continue to receive pay in alignment with business as usual operations."
Aritzia
The clothing retailer has shut its more than 90 stores across North America "until further notice," according to its website. Aritzia said that all of its profits for now are being funneled into its Community Relief Fund, to help workers and their families who are being affected.
Away
The luggage startup is closing its stores for at least two weeks, starting close of business March 16. It is also delaying the opening of a new store in Dallas.
Away has a dozen stores, including the Dallas location, according to the company's website. Ten of the stores are in the U.S., and it has one each in London and Toronto. The company said all employees will receive pay while stores are closed. It said it will encourage employees at its corporate offices to work remotely. Away has more than 500 corporate and retail employees.
"Travel is at the heart of what we do at Away, because it brings us all together," the company said in a letter on its website. "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."
Bed Bath & Beyond
The company announced on March 22 that by the morning of March 23, it will shut all of its stores across the U.S. and Canada, other than its buybuy BABY and Harmon Face Values shops, which sell personal care items and other necessities. This means only about 175 stores out of Bed Bath & Beyond's portfolio of roughly 1,500 will temporarily close until April 3. The retailer said it will offer all impacted store workers pay and benefits during this time.
"Responding to consumer demand, we will continue to make available essential infant, personal and health care products to customers who need items urgently, in our stand-alone buybuy BABY and Harmon stores," CEO Mark Tritton said.
"During this time of business disruption and uncertainty, we are carefully managing our expenses, working capital, capital expenditures and balance sheet," he added.
Benefit
The makeup retailer said it's closing all of its stores and brow bars in the U.S. and Canada, as of end of day March 17. They will remain closed until April 3. The company said store employees will continue to receive pay and benefits during the closures.
Buck Mason
The men's clothing company has closed its stores until at least March 19. It has 10 locations in the U.S., in cities including New York and San Francisco, according to its website.
Buck Mason said it will be compensating all employees during the planned closures. It added that it will continue shipping internet orders "with no breaks in service."
Canada Goose
The high-end coat maker is closing all of its stores in North America and Europe from March 17 until at least March 31. In Canada, Canada Goose said it will begin closing its in-house production facilities also starting on March 17 for at least two weeks. It said its stores in Greater China are open at this time.
In a letter to employees, CEO Dani Reiss said he is forgoing his salary for at least the next three months, to help offer financial assistance to workers. Canada Goose has withdrawn its long-term outlook because the "duration of COVID-19 disruptions remain uncertain."
Capri Holdings
Michael Kors owner Capri Holdings is closing all of its stores, which also include Versace and Jimmy Choo, in North America beginning March 18 until April 10. In Europe, all shops are closing from March 19 until April 10. The company said it "remains committed" to paying all store workers during this time.
Casper
The mattress maker has shut its stores in North America from March 17 through March 27. Casper said it will be paying its store workers for their scheduled hours during the closures. Casper has about 60 stores, selling bedding, pillows and other bedroom accessories.
Chico's
The apparel conglomerate has closed all of its stores across North America until March 31. Chico's, which also owns White House Black Market, has withdrawn its earnings outlook because of the uncertainty of the situation. As of Feb. 1, Chico's had 1,341 stores in the U.S. and Canada.
CEO Bonnie Brooks said full- and part-time workers will still receive their full pay during this period.
Columbia Sportswear
The sportswear company is shutting all of its stores across North America until at least March 27. Columbia had 122 outlet stores and 21 branded stores in the U.S. as of Dec. 31, according to SEC filings.
"Columbia has been in business since 1938 and weathered many storms by keeping our focus on the well-being of consumers, employees and the larger community," CEO Tim Boyle said in a statement.
Dick's Sporting Goods
The sporting goods retailer has temporarily closed all of its stores, including Golf Galaxy and Field & Stream, until April 2. The company said it will be offering workers two-weeks pay and benefits during this time. Dick's Sporting Goods said when it made the announcement on March 18 that it has seen a significant reduction in customer traffic and demand because of COVID-19. As a result, the company has also withdrawn its full-year outlook.
Everlane
The clothing retailer is closing its six stores until March 28. The company said it will pay store employees during the closures and urge corporate employees to work remotely.
In an FAQ on its website, Everlane said its factories and distribution center will continue to operate and it said it plans to launch new products as brick-and-mortar locations are closed. "Our hope is that we can bring some sense of normalcy to our customers who still want to shop with us," it said.
Fossil
The watch retailer has shut all of its stores and outlet locations in North America until March 28. Fossil said workers will still be compensated for their hours until then.
Foot Locker
The shoe retailer said it is temporarily closing its stores, across all of its brands, in North America, EMEA and Malaysia, starting March 17 through March 31. This includes Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Footaction, Champs Sports, Runners Point and Sidestep, the company said. Foot Locker said the remainder of its stores in Asia are staying open subject to local mandates.
Foot Locker has also withdrawn its 2020 earnings outlook.
CEO Richard Johnson said Foot Locker will continue to pay workers during this time. Foot Locker has 3,129 retail stores in 27 countries, according to its website.
GameStop
GameStop has many of its stores from March 22, until further notice. But the company said some locations remain in business to serve as hubs for customers to pick up their online orders.
"As millions of Americans look to GameStop to adjust to their new normal of increased time at home, for work, learning and play, we have implemented practices to help ensure the safety and health of our employees, customers and partners," CEO George Sherman said. "We believe it is prudent to institute further safety protocols while meeting this increased demand through curbside pick-up. As such, stores that remain in operation will provide only pick-up at the door or delivery to home activities to further protect our employees and customers."
Gap
The company has temporarily shut all of its stores across the U.S. and Canada, including its namesake Gap brand, Banana Republic, Janie and Jack, Athleta and its outlet stores, effective March 19 for the next two weeks. Gap Inc. said it will offer impacted workers pay and benefits during the two-week period.
Glossier
The cosmetics retailer is closing all stores, according to a blog post from founder and CEO Emily Weiss. Glossier has locations in Atlanta, New York and London and is delaying the opening of a new location in Arizona. The closure is planned for two weeks, and employees will be compensated during this time.
"This is a tough call for many reasons," Weiss said in the post. "In our New York City flagship alone, 2,000 people gather daily from around the world."
Greats
The shoe company has temporarily shut its three stores, which are in New York and Florida, founder and CEO Ryan Babenzien tells CNBC.
Hudson's Bay
The department store operator has shut its stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks Off Fifth, across the U.S. and Canada from March 18 through April 1. Hudson's Bay said it will pay workers for their scheduled hours during this time. But "as the situation evolves, we will continue to evaluate all pay and benefits," the company said in a press release.
H&M
The fast-fashion retailer is closing all of its stores across the U.S. and Canada from March 17 until April 2. H&M said any workers who are impacted by the closures will receive two weeks of continued pay.
Inditex
The parent company of fast-fashion retailer Zara, which is based in Spain, has temporarily closed all of its stores in the U.S.
J.C. Penney
The department store chain is closing all of its stores beginning 7 p.m. local time March 18 until April 2. J.C. Penney has roughly 850 locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
J.Crew
All J.Crew and J.Crew Factory stores are closed until March 28, the company said in a memo on its website. "We will continue watching, listening and learning, day by day, and will keep you posted as things evolve," CEO Jan Singer said in a statement.
Kering
The parent company of Gucci and a slew of other luxury brands has closed all of its stores in North America through the end of this month. That includes Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga and Brioni. The company said its workers will still be paid during this time.
Kohl's
The department store chain is closing all stores temporarily, effective 7 p.m. local time on March 19 through April 1, at least. Kohl's CEO Michelle Gass said the company will still offer workers two calendar weeks of pay.
L Brands
The owners of Bath & Body Works, Victoria's Secret and PINK said all of its stores in the U.S. and Canada are shut and will not reopen until March 30. L Brands has also temporarily halted taking "new" online orders through Victoria's Secret and PINK, and instead is focusing on selling soaps and hand sanitizers via its Bath & Body Works business on the internet.
L Brands said hourly workers will still be paid through March 29, "based on average hours worked over the past four weeks." The company said it is evaluating potentially reopening some of its Bath & Body Works locations even sooner, "to meet our customers' essential needs for hand soap and anti-bacterial products."
L Brands has also withdrawn its first-quarter 2020 earnings outlook.
Lego
The toymaker says it is closing all of its stores, except in China, until at least March 27.
Levi Strauss & Co.
The denim maker is temporarily closing its owned and operated retail locations in the U.S. and Canada from March 16 through at least March 27. Levi Strauss & Co. said all store workers will be paid for their scheduled hours during the closures.
The company said it will provide more details about how COVID-19 is impacting its business when it reports quarterly earnings on April 7.
Lululemon
The athleticwear retailer is closing its stores in North America and Europe, from March 16 through March 27. Lululemon said it will continue to pay workers for all of their hours during this time and they will receive pay for 14 days if they are asked to self-quarantine due to COVID-19.
Lush Cosmetics
Lush Cosmetics is shutting all 258 of its locations across the U.S. and Canada from March 16 to March 29. It said it is guaranteeing regular pay for all employees during this time.
Because of the store closures, this also means the company will be scaling down its North American manufacturing and distribution operations in the interim. All of its soaps and other goods are made on a weekly basis.
Macy's
Macy's is closing all of its stores nationwide, effective at the end of business March 17 through March 31, to try to help curb the spread of COVID-19. The closures include all Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Bluemercury, Macy's Backstage and other outlet stores, the company said in a press release. Macy's said it will offer benefits and compensation to its affected workers during this time.
As of the latest reported quarter, Macy's was operating 551 Macy's department stores, 34 Bloomingdale's locations, 19 Bloomingdale's outlets and 171 Bluemercury shops, according to its website. As of Feb. 2, the company had roughly 130,000 employees, excluding seasonal staff.
Madewell
All of the clothing retailer's stores will be shut until March 28. Madewell also said it has suspended all community events until further notice.
"Please be mindful that you may experience shipping delays as we have implemented a social distancing plan as a precaution for the teams in our distribution centers and this may temporarily slow processing," the company said in a statement on its website.
Neighborhood Goods
The Texas-based company that has been described as "the department store of the future" has closed its three stores in the U.S. until at least March 27. Neighborhood Goods says its team will be paid in full throughout this time, and that pay will not be deducted from a worker's paid time off or sick leave.
Neiman Marcus
Luxury department store operator Neiman Marcus has closed all of its stores in the U.S., including Bergdorf Goodman and Last Call, until the end of March, "with the potential to be extended pending future evaluation of the situation."
CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck said in a memo that the company will still provide pay and benefits to store workers affected by the closures during this two-week period.
Nike
Nike said it will close its stores in the U.S., Canada, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand beginning March 16 through March 27. Workers will still be paid in full during this time off. Nike had 384 retail stores in the U.S., including Converse and its outlet locations, at the end of 2019, according to SEC filings. Internationally, it had more than 750 locations.
Nordstrom
The Seattle-based department store chain is temporarily shutting all of its locations, including Nordstrom Rack, in the U.S. and Canada for two weeks, starting March 17. Nordstrom then on March 25 said it would be extending the closures for another week, through at least April 5. It said store workers will be paid through April 5 and receive benefits through April.
Nordstrom has 116 full-line department stores in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, and 248 Rack shops.
Because of the "heightened uncertainty" around COVID-19, Nordstrom has also withdrawn its 2020 outlook. The company said it has started to make "further reductions to its expense and capital expenditure plans" and is also suspending any share repurchasing.
"During this unprecedented period of uncertainty, we have in place the appropriate business continuity plans, operational framework and team," CEO Erik Nordstrom said in a statement. "This, in concert with ending 2019 with a solid financial position and healthy balance sheet, gives us the ability to weather this challenging moment in time."
Outdoor Voices
The athletic apparel retailers has closed all of its 11 stores in the U.S. until March 27. It has also postponed all of its community events until further notice. Outdoor Voices said it will be compensating all scheduled store employees in the meantime, and its employees from its Austin, Texas, headquarters will be working remotely.
Patagonia
The sporting goods retailer closed all of its stores and web operations. In a memo posted on its website on March 13, Patagonia said, "the scale of impact is still unknown, and we want to do our part to protect our community especially while testing availability is unknown." Workers will receive regular pay in the interim. While Patagonia did not provide a reopen date, it said it would give an update on March 27. The retailer has 37 locations in the U.S., according to its website.
Peloton
Peloton has closed its more than 96 retail showrooms in the U.S. and abroad until March 29. It said it will continue to produce live content for its bike riders from a closed set.
"As of 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," CEO John Foley said in a statement.
PVH
The owner of Calvin Klein, among other brands, is closing all of its locations across North America and Europe beginning March 17 through March 29. PVH said all of its retail workers will still receive full pay and benefits for their scheduled shifts during this time. The company added that many of its stores across the Asia-Pacific region have since re-opened, though some shops are running on reduced hours.
"While retail store traffic has shown some improvement over the past month, it remains down significantly compared with the prior year," the company said in a statement.
PVH said it will update analysts and investors on how COVID-19 is impacting its business when it reports earnings on April 2.
Ralph Lauren
The fashion retailer is closing all of its stores across North America from March 18 through April 1. Ralph Lauren said that all of its team member impacted by the temporary closures will receive standard pay during this time.
"During this period, we will continuously assess the quickly evolving context around us," CEO Patrice Louvet said in a statement.
RealReal
The resale business has made all of its stores and luxury consignment offices open by appointment only, from March 16 to March 27. The RealReal CEO Julie Wainwright said the company will also be offering virtual consignment appointments, for consumers who want to sell something in the interim.
Reformation
The women's clothing company has shut all 19 of its stores temporarily, until further notice, according to its website.
REI
The outdoor apparel and recreation retailer will close all of its 162 U.S. stores from March 16 through March 27. REI said all store employees will be paid during the temporary closure. It will also offer free shipping for all purchases on REI.com while stores are closed.
"This is a difficult decision for any business, and I do not make it lightly," CEO Eric Artz said in a letter on the company's website. "Our decisions are grounded in the belief that there are more important things than business right now—we owe that to one another."
Rent the Runway
The clothing and accessories rental company has closed its stores in New York, California, Illinois and Washington, D.C., as of March 16 until March 27. Rent the Runway said that all of its scheduled shop workers will be compensated during this time period. Its HQ team will be working from home.
Instead of visiting these stores, Rent the Runway customers have been encouraged to still return their orders, in order to check out new items, via the mail.
RH
The furniture retailer said it will be closing all locations from March 18 through March 27. RH said it will be paying workers during this time period.
Rothy's
The shoe retailer has temporarily closed its four stores in the U.S. through at least the end of March, according to its website. "Our primary focus remains keeping you and each member of our team feeling safe, healthy and supported in the coming days and weeks," the company said.
Sephora
The makeup and skincare retailer said it will close all stores in the U.S. and Canada, as of 5 p.m. local time on March 17. They will be closed through April 3. Corporate employees will also begin working remotely, the company said.
"Following guidance from public health authorities, we understand that practicing social distancing and reducing dense public gatherings as much as possible is critically important at this time," the company said in an email to customers. "This is truly a global effort that requires all of our participation."
Sephora said sales on its website and app will continue and it will waive standard shipping fees through April 3. The company said it will also extend its return policy for recent in-store purchases to 30 days after stores reopen. It will extend its online return policy to 60 days.
Signet Jewelers
The parent company of chains Kay Jewelers, Zales, Jared, James Allen, Peoples and Piercing Pagoda said it has temporarily shut all of its stores across North America. Signet Jewelers said store workers will receive pay and benefits through April 4, at which point it will assess the situation again. It also announced it has drawn down $900 million from its asset-based revolving credit facility. At the time of the drawdown, Signet said it had $1.2 billion in cash and $292 million available on the revolver.
Skechers
The sneaker company is closing all of its company-owned stores in North America and select stores in Europe through March 28. Skechers also has withdrawn its 2020 earnings outlook.
"With the outbreak spreading more broadly across the globe, it is apparent that the situation has deteriorated considerably," COO David Weinberg said in a statement. "As a result, we have decided to withdraw our guidance as we are unable to reliably quantify the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on our future financial results."
Tailored Brands
The owner of Men's Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank is closing all of its stores across the U.S. and Canada from March 17 until March 28. Tailored Brands said store workers will still be paid for their scheduled hours during this time.
For customers who might have been ordering from Tailored Brands for a wedding or other special event, the company explained in a statement: "We will work with customers as their plans evolve. If an event is postponed for any reason, we will maintain order details and measurements, so the order can be reactivated with a simple phone call whenever the event is rescheduled. If an event is cancelled, customers can choose a gift card and an additional 20% discount for future use, or a full refund."
Tapestry
The owner of high-end brands Coach, Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman is shutting all of its stores across North America and Europe through March 27, "at which time the company will determine the appropriate next steps in light of the environment." Tapestry said workers will still receive scheduled pay and benefits during this time.
Tiffany
The luxury jewelry chain has temporarily closed some of its stores, including its Fifth Avenue flagship in Manhattan. Tiffany said it is reducing hours at others.
TJX
The parent company of TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Sierra said it is closing all of its locations in North America, Australia and Europe for two weeks, through the end of March. It will also be shutting down its online operations. TJX said in a press release that it plans to pay store workers, workers in its distribution centers and office associates over the next two weeks.
TJX also on March 19 announced it will be withdrawing its earnings outlook for the current fiscal year and quarter. It said it is suspending its buyback program. It is also drawing its revolving credit facilities down by $1 billion.
Ulta Beauty
The cosmetics retailer will close all of its stores, starting 6 p.m. on March 19. They will be closed until at least March 31, and store pickup of online orders would not be available during this time, the company said.
The company also withdrew its guidance for fiscal 2020. In a statement on Ulta's website, CEO Mary Dillon said store employees will be paid while stores are closed.
"We look forward to the time when we can re-open our stores, bring our associates back together, and invite guests back into Ulta Beauty," she said.
Under Armour
The sporting goods retailer will close all of its stores in North America from March 16 through March 28. Under Armour said all of its workers will receive pay during this time. It had 188 locations in North America as of Dec. 31, 2019, according to SEC filings. That consists of 169 factory-outlet shops.
"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," a spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters operates about 600 stores under the brands Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, Terrain and Nuuly. The retailer said its stores will close temporarily until at least March 28. Its online and subscription businesses will continue to operate. All employees also will be paid during the closure, the company said.
Its corporate staff is working remotely, but other workers who are unable to do their jobs from home are working in staggered shifts in order to create "social distance."
VF Corp.
The owner of brands including Vans and Timberland has closed all of its stores across North America through April 5. Its corporate and brand offices in North America are also being shut down during this time. VF Corp. said that store employees will still receive their full pay and benefits during the closures, which could be extended depending on how long the pandemic lasts.
"The decision to close our retail stores, as well as our corporate and brand offices in North America, is the responsible thing to do to help mitigate the spread of the virus through social distancing," Chairman Steve Rendle said in a statement.
The company added that it has experienced limited disruption to its supply chain, overall, due to COVID-19.
Vineyard Vines
Vineyard Vines has closed all of its stores from March 15 until March 27. It said it will be paying store workers for any previously scheduled shifts.
Warby Parker
The eyeglass retailer is keeping its online operations running but all stores will close March 15 through March 27. Retail team members will continue to be paid as if they were working in stores during this time, the company said.
Williams-Sonoma
The retailer is closing stores in the U.S. and Canada from 6 p.m. local time March 17 through April 2, at least. Its portfolio of brands includes the namesake Williams-Sonoma label, Williams-Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, West Elm, Rejuvenation, and Mark and Graham.
— CNBC's Hannah Miller, Courtney Reagan, Amanda Lasky, Ethan Kraft and Melissa Repko contributed to this report.