Coronavirus hits retailers: Store closures and reduced hours (Updated)

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Retailers are shuttering storefront locations to the public 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 major companies — apparel, fast-food chains, electronics, and fitness centers— that have closed locations or reduced hours in the U.S. and around the world. Almost all retailers reminded customers that online stores would remain open.

Alphabetical list of company announcements are below.

Apple

Apple has extended store closures until at least early May, the company told employees in a memo. Apple’s 270 U.S. stores have been closed since March 17.

“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 in a statement.

Aeropostale

Aeropostale, the New York City-based clothing retailer, has closed all store locations beginning March 18 through March 29. The announcement did not include information about employee payment.

“As part of a broader, global community, we're doing everything we can to ensure health and safety of our Aero World - protecting customers, employees and all those around us,” said the Aeropostale team in a statement.

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.

Adidas

The athletic company announced on March 17 it will close all of its Adidas and Reebok stores in U.S., Canada and Europe through March 29. The closures come 24 hours after the company told employees it would not be closing stores.