Nike Closing All U.S. Stores as Coronavirus Continues to Spread

Nike is set to close all of its U.S. stores amidst the coronavirus outbreak. Other outposts around the world will be closing as well from Monday through March 27 — this includes Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Western Europe and more. The decision was made by the company Sunday morning, March 15 in order to take more preventative measures with spreading the virus. However, stores in many other countries like Japan, South Korea and most in China will remain open but will be very highly-monitored and examined daily with the pandemic still looming.

Many other companies are shutting stores and, or limiting operation hours as well. Stores such as Apple, Patagonia, Urban Outfitters and more have already closed up some U.S. retailers. According to SEC filings, Nike, at the end of 2019, had 384 U.S. store locations (including Converse and Outlet shops) and more than 750 locations globally.

Nike’s memo regarding store closures:

The well-being of our teammates and consumers is our top priority so we have decided to close our stores in multiple countries around the world including in the United States, Canada, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand to limit the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). These closures will go into effect from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27. Customers can continue to shop on Nike.com and on our Nike apps.

We are taking additional steps in other Nike-managed facilities, including the option to work from home, staggered work schedules, social distancing and additional safety and cleaning steps to help protect and support our teammates.

Our Nike-owned stores in South Korea, Japan, most of China and in many other countries are currently open and will continue their normal operations.

According to Nike, workers will still receive full pay during the closures.

In other coronavirus-related news, Zion Williams is said to cover the salaries of the New Orleans Pelicans workers during the NBA’s suspension.