As more cities and states implement increasingly strict measures in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19, DICK’S Sporting Goods abruptly announced Wednesday that it is temporarily closing all of its retail stores effective that night.
In a statement posted on social media and emailed to customers on Wednesday, DICK’S Sporting Goods Chairman and CEO Ed Stack announced that the company, which has gone through financial struggles over the last few years, is temporally closing its retail store doors, effective March 18 through April 2.
“In support of the nation’s efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, DICK’S Sporting Goods will temporarily close all retail locations for two weeks, starting at the close of business today, March 18. We are planning to reopen Thursday, April 2,” Stack said. “This includes our DICK’S Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy and Field & Stream stores.”
The company will continue to sell goods online, Stack explained. It also will offer its curbside service during key hours.
“We will remain open and ready to serve our customers via our mobile apps and online, and through our new Curbside Contactless Pickup service at our DICK’S and Golf Galaxy stores,” he said. “During this time, our curbside pickup option will be available to customers between 9AM and 6PM, seven days a week.”
“We realize the impact a closure can have on our teammates, and this is not a decision we made lightly,” said Stack. “To help alleviate challenges during this temporary closure, we will be providing full pay and benefits during this two-week time frame for all teammates.”
“Our company has always done what’s right for the safety of our communities. We look forward to reopening and serving you in person soon,” he concluded.
An update to our community. pic.twitter.com/95ebniZiCl
— DICK'S Sporting Goods (@DICKS) March 18, 2020
While Stack has determined that it’s in the best interest of the country for his retail operation to shut down for two weeks, CEOs of other companies are taking their own steps to respond to the pandemic, among them Target CEO Brian Cornell, who announced this week some of the measures the retail giant is implementing in order to better serve both the public and its employees.
In a press release this week, Cornell provided updates on the company’s newly implemented COVID-19 measures, among them: reducing store hours and closing by 9 p.m. to help resupply and cleaning efforts; “fast-tracking the flow of products that are in highest demand, including food, medicine and other essentials”; reserving the first hour on Wednesdays for more vulnerable customers; and improving its “back-up care benefit,” which is designed to help employees facing “growing caregiving responsibilities including infants, children, spouses, domestic partners and aging parents,” as The Daily Wire reported Wednesday.
President Trump has made a point of calling attention to and praising the efforts of American companies doing their part to help the community and their employees during the crisis. “Thank you to our great American businesses for going above and beyond to keep our most vulnerable citizens safe!” Trump tweeted Wednesday in response to Cornell’s update.
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