Dallas — Connex, the multi-site facilities network, formerly known as PRSM, is helping retailers who are closing thousands of stores due to the COVID-19 outbreak by providing guidance in how to protect store assets and the public. Beginning Monday, Connex will host a series of online broadcasts to address various issues.
In recent years, according to an extensive FM industry study conducted by Connex, the average retailer closed only 17 store locations annually. In the last month at least 110 retailers have closed thousands of locations. These locations are commonly referred to as “dark stores.”
Top Dark Store Challenges for Retailers
- Security
- Systems management (HVAC, water, electric)
- Exterior maintenance and landscaping
- Ongoing site assessment
“Connex is here to help FMs manage dark stores,” says Bill Yanek, Connex CEO. “We have the specialized resources and connections with the suppliers [that] multi-site FMs need to manage dark stores or other closed properties.”
Connex will host a live online broadcast on Monday, March 23 at 1:00pm CST to address dark store management. Tuesday’s show will discuss security for dark stores. On Wednesday Connex will tackle cleaning issues created by COVID-19.
Connex has also created two online communities. In the first community, any Connex member can share information, ask questions and get advice. The second community is reserved for multi-site retail facilities managers only to provide a private community to ask for recommendations from other retailers on how to best battle the virus. The association has also created a news and resources page dedicated specifically to facilities management news about the coronavirus.
More than 650 supplier companies are Connex members, along with 350 leading retail, entertainment, healthcare and financial companies.
Connex is the leading membership organization for multi-site facilities managers and supplier professionals. Established in 1995, and based in Irving, Texas, Connex empowers facilities management professionals with events, best practices, benchmarking, education, discussion forums and trusted partnerships. For more information, visit www.connexfm.com.
SOURCE: Connex