Yahoo Finance Retail stores reopening as coronavirus lockdowns lift
U.S. retailers are slowly reopening after the coronavirus forced them to shutter.
As the U.S. emerges from over a month-long lockdown, in which states and municipalities prohibited all but essential businesses from operating, retailers aim to recover from pandemic-related losses. Retail sales dropped 8.7% in March, the largest monthly dip ever recorded. Now, although some states like New York and California are still shut down, most of the U.S. has partially reopened.
Almost all stores said they would increase cleaning protocols and institute social distancing measures, including limiting the number of customers in stores, closing fitting rooms, mandating staff wear masks and gloves, providing customers hand sanitizer, installing protective shields at cash registers and using social distancing markers.
Here are the retailers that have made new opening announcements this week:
Apple
Apple (AAPL), the Cupertino-based iPhone maker, will reopen over 25 of its U.S. retail stores the week of May 18, after it opened five in Alabama, Alaska, Idaho and South Carolina the week prior. The first store reopened on May 11 in Boise, Idaho. The tech giant has over 270 U.S. retail locations, which will reopen on a city-by-city basis.
“Our team is constantly monitoring local health data and government guidance, and as soon as we can safely open our stores, we will,” the company said in a statement.
Swarovski
Swarovski, the Austrian crystal company, reopened select stores in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas as of Monday, May 18th. The company will sanitize all products that have been tried on or returned before making them available to other customers.
Below is an alphabetical list of retailers that are reopening. Yahoo Finance will continue to update this list.
Abercrombie & Fitch
The Ohio-based clothing retailer has reopened select Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) and Hollister brand stores, including locations in Atlanta and Dallas. The rest of its 850 locations will reopen on “a rolling basis.”
“We are optimistic for the future and we’re happy to announce that we have begun to open select stores globally on a rolling basis and will continue to do so in the weeks ahead,” CEO Fran Horowitz said in a statement.
American Eagle
American Eagle (AEO), the Pittsburgh, Penn.-based clothing retailer and owner of lingerie brand Aerie and others, has reopened at least 43 stores in 10 states. The company plans to reopen at least 600 of 1,000 stores by the end of May. The company will not close changing rooms but instead will clean and quarantine items that are tried on but not purchased, according to reports.
“We have been eagerly awaiting this moment—working to ensure our customers feel safe, heard and respected and our associates feel prepared, at ease and valued when we open our doors,” the company said in a statement.
Bed Bath & Beyond
The New Jersey-based home goods retailer (BBBY) plans to reopen 20 stores, including its Christmas Tree Shops brand, by May 22. Its other brands, BuyBuyBABY and Harmon, did not close during the pandemic.
"Our strong financial flexibility and liquidity allows us to take this measured, market-by-market approach to reopening stores,” said president and CEO Mark Tritton in a statement.
Belk
Belk, the Charlotte, N.C.-based department store, has reopened stores in South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Arkansas and Oklahoma, as of May 1.
"We sincerely thank everyone who has supported us during this unprecedented time. We are especially grateful for our remarkable team of Belk associates,” said CEO Lisa Harper in a statement.
Best Buy
Best Buy (BBY), the Minnesota-based electronics retailer, has reopened at least 200 stores, by appointment only, and will resume in-home installation and repair services. The company has over 1,000 U.S. retail locations total.
“We believe we’ve learned how to perform essential work in your home safely, for both you and our employees,” said Best Buy CEO Corie Barry in a letter to customers.
David’s Bridal
David’s Bridal, the Pennsylvania-based wedding fashion retailer, reopened select stores in April by appointment only, with additional stores added weekly. The company’s 300 locations are scheduled to reopen, appointment-only, by June 1.
“Ensuring you and our dedicated employees are safe is our top priority, and we're taking special measures to keep you comfortable, including scattered appointments, increased cleanings, and limited hours,” the company said in a statement.
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Dick’s Sporting Goods (DKS), based in Pennsylvania, has reopened almost all of their 850 U.S. retail locations. Almost half are open for in-store shopping, and half are open for contactless pickup. Only 34 closed stores remain closed as of May 12. The bulk of still-closed stores are in Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
“As we reopen our doors in some areas of the country where local guidelines and public health considerations allow, we want to assure you that the health and safety of DICK'S Sporting Goods teammates and customers remains our top priority,” the company said in a statement.
Dillard’s
Dillard’s (DDS) department store, based in Little Rock, has reopened about 140 stores in 21 states, as of May 12. The company began reopening 55 stores on May 5.
“Management is monitoring all markets for easing of government restrictions and will reopen stores as soon as possible,” the company said in a statement.
Express
Express, the Columbus, Oh.-based fashion retailer, has reopened select stores in Georgia and South Carolina. The company plans to open all of its 300 stores by May 25.
"This is a very fluid situation, and we will continue to operate in an agile and adaptive manner. The health and safety of our associates and customers is our priority as we reopen our stores," said CEO Tim Baxter in a statement.
Five Below
Five Below (FIVE), the Philadelphia-based chain of discount stores, has reopened over 117 stores in at least eight states.
“Given the uncertainty around consumer behavior and traffic, we will continue to be disciplined in our approach, maintaining our focus on expense reduction and diligent management of cash and liquidity,” said CEO Joel Anderson in a statement.
Foot Locker
Foot Locker (FL), the New York-based shoe retailer, will reopen stores “slowly and on a rolling basis,” the company said, but only a handful have reopened so far, including locations in Birmingham, Dallas, and Myrtle Beach. Fitting rooms will remain closed, but guests can try on footwear.
“We encourage customers to sanitize their hands and use complimentary try-on footlets before trying on footwear products,” the company said in a statement.
GameStop
The Texas-based gaming retailer GameStop (GME) has reopened stores in Georgia and South Carolina, the company announced April 21, with the “potential to reopen” their 4,400 locations in other states and countries in the coming weeks.
“As we continue to navigate these unprecedented times, our priority has been and continues to be on the well-being of our employees, customers and business partners,” said CEO George Sherman in a statement.
Gap
Gap (GPS), the San Francisco-based retailer and owner of Old Navy, Athleta, Gap, Banana Republic, Janie and Jack ,and Intermix brands, has reopened select stores in Texas and plans to reopen the rest of its 800 U.S. locations by the end of May. Stores will have reduced hours and restrict the number of customers in the stores.
“We’re eager to begin welcoming our teams and customers back to our stores, and confident in our ability to safely scale North America openings over the coming months in line with local guidelines,” said Sonia Syngal, the CEO of Gap Inc., in a statement.
Hudson Bay
Hudson Bay, the Brampton, Canada-based retailer has not reopened U.S. retail locations. But Saks Fifth Avenue, owned by Hudson Bay, has reopened select stores, including a prominent location in Atlanta on May 12. Saks Fifth Avenue will not close fitting rooms but will clean and quarantine clothes for 24 hours before putting them back on the rack.
“As we reopen our stores, we’re focused on safety and ease of shopping,” said Saks Fifth Avenue on their website.
J.C. Penney
The Texas-based department store J.C. Penney (JCP) is “gradually” reopening some of its 800 stores, even as the company is expected to file for bankruptcy.
“The Company will continue to follow guidance from local, state, and federal officials as it anticipates gradually reopening stores and offices in markets when it is safe to do so,” the company said in a statement.
Kohl’s
Kohl’s (KSS), the Wisconsin-based department store, reopened stores in 14 states as of May 11. The company plans to reopen a quarter of its more than 1,100 stores by May 16.
“As we all adjust to a new normal, we will continue to provide the easy and efficient store experience that Kohl's customers love, while implementing many new rigorous procedures that prioritize the safety of our associates and customers,” said CEO Michelle Gass in a statement.
La-Z-Boy
The Michigan-based furniture retailer La-Z-Boy (LZB) has reopened “several” U.S. store locations and expects to reopen additional stores in the coming weeks, the company told investors on April 22 in its most recent update.
“Moving forward, we will operate the business as customer demand dictates and are hopeful that as more retailers reopen, we will be able to increase production accordingly and bring additional employees back to work,” said chairman, president and CEO Kurt L. Darrow in a statement.
Macy’s
Macy’s (M), the Cincinnati-based department store and owner of Backstage, Bloomingdale’s, Blue Mercury and other brands, has reopened at least 118 U.S. stores since last week, including locations in Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado and Utah. The department store plans to reopen the rest of its 775 stores by mid-June.
Stores will require customers to use hand sanitizer before trying on jewelry or watches and will disinfect items customers try on but don’t buy for 24 hours, according to reports.
Neiman Marcus
Neiman Marcus, the luxury department store based in Dallas, has reopened only a few stores, including one at the Lenox Square mall in Atlanta, by appointment only. The company filed for bankruptcy protection on May 7.
“We thank all our extraordinary associates for their unwavering commitment to Neiman Marcus Group during these unprecedented times. Every day I am inspired by their continued efforts to go above and beyond to delight our customers, our communities, and each other with the love and care that is unique to us,” said chairman and CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck in a statement.
Nike
Nike (NKE), the Beaverton, Ore.-based athletic footwear company has reopened some of its 384 stores in select locations, including Atlanta, Birmingham, Philadelphia and Athens, S.C.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom, Inc. (JWN), the Seattle-based department store with approximately 117 retail locations, has reopened stores at select locations, including almost all of its locations in Texas and South Carolina.
“More than anything, we want you to feel safe and comfortable when you're shopping with us. We're making updates to our stores and the way we serve you to create a store environment that's safe for everyone,” said a statement on the company website.
Tailored Brands
Tailored Brands (TLRD), the Houston-based owner of men’s apparel stores including Men’s Wearhouse, Jos. A. Bank, Joseph Abboud, Moores Clothing for Men and K&G, has reopened stores in Georgia and Texas, and plans to reopen 300 more by May 26.
"The safety and health of our employees, customers and communities remains our highest priority and will guide us through the reopening process. Our phased approach allows us to test, learn and iterate at each step along the way," said president and CEO Dinesh Lathi in a statement.
Tapestry
Tapestry (TPR), the New York-based owner of Coach and Kate Spade brands, has reopened about 40 stores in North America for curbside pickup. Other U.S. stores will reopen on a “location by location” basis, CEO Jide Zeitlin told Yahoo Finance on April 30.
“Clearly, first of all we need to be in a geography where the local authorities have approved us to be open, but even once they do that, we don't just open the store automatically. We turn to our employees, we listen to our customers. And we see what they are comfortable with,” Zeitlin said.
TJX Companies
The TJX Companies (TJX), the Massachusetts-based owner of TJMaxx, Marshalls, Home Goods and HomeSense, has reopened stores in Georgia, South Carolina, Texas and others. TJX will reopen stores “as various states and countries reopen” the company said on May 9.
“No matter where people live in the world, we want our Associates and customers to feel confident when they come back to work or shop in our stores,” said president and CEO Ernie Herrman in a statement.
Ulta Beauty
Ulta Beauty (ULTA), the Illinois-based makeup retailer with 1,124 store locations, has reopened 180 stores in seven states, as of May 11.
“Our focus has been on how to reopen safely – not just when – throughout our preparation and planning to ensure we are confident to welcome guests and associates back to Ulta Beauty,” said CEO Mary Dillon in a statement.
Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters (URBN), the Philadelphia-based retailer and owner of Anthropologie, BHLDN, Terrain and Free People brands, has reopened select stores in 19 states, as of May 12.
“As local regulations change, we’re beginning to reopen some of our store locations. As we do, we’re taking care to make sure our customers and team members feel comfortable and safe while inside our stores,” the company said in a statement on its website.
Williams Sonoma
Williams Sonoma (WSM) the San Francisco-based home products retailer, has reopened select states, like Georgia and Texas, where government guidelines allow.
“We are doing all that is possible to welcome customers safely back to our stores,” said CEO Laura Alber and president Ryan Ross in a joint statement.
Sarah Paynter is a reporter at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter @sarahapaynter
Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, SmartNews, LinkedIn, YouTube, and reddit.
More from Sarah:
Warren Buffett: Demand for office and retail space may drop 'fairly significantly'
Joann Stores CEO says retailer is doing what it can to ‘bend COVID curve’
