MORE DEPARTMENT STORES ANNOUNCE CLOSURES

In response to the widespread COVID-19 outbreak, more big department store chains are taking precautions to protect its staff and customers.

Macy’s temporarily closed all of its stores yesterday, through March 31, 2020. This includes all Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Bluemercury, Macy’s Backstage, Bloomingdales the Outlet and Market by Macy’s stores. Macy’s, Inc. will provide benefits and compensation to its impacted workforce.

All three Macy’s, Inc. brands – Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury – will continue to serve customers through macys.com, bloomingdales.com and bluemercury.com and through its mobile apps.

Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks Off 5th have made the decision to temporarily close all of its stores across the U.S. and Canada, effective Wednesday, March 18. The company expects for stores to remain closed for two weeks unless otherwise instructed by government or public health officials, and will reassess operations at that time. All associates will be paid for their scheduled hours during this two-week period. As the situation evolves, the retailer will continue to evaluate all pay and benefits.

Neiman Marcus Group has also made the decision to temporarily close all Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Last Call stores, effective immediately, through March 31, with the potential to be extended pending future evaluation of the situation. The company will provide pay and benefits to store associates affected by store closures for this two-week period.

And, JCPenney announced today it will temporarily close its stores and business offices, starting today (Wednesday) at 7 p.m. local time. The stores and business offices are scheduled to reopen April 2.

This news comes as Nordstrom announced on Tuesday that it will close all its stores for two weeks.