Philadelphia — Five Below, Inc., an extreme-value retailer for tweens, teens and beyond, has reopened 75% of its 900+ store fleet. In addition to reopening over 700 stores since April 21, Five Below has opened 40 brand new stores so far in 2020 and continues to expect to open 100 to 120 new stores this year. “We are thrilled to be in a position to have reopened over 75% of our stores with strict health and safety protocols implemented, and to have resumed our new store program,” says Joel Anderson, …
retailers
Plano, Texas — J. C. Penney recently reopened 150 stores in 27 states, bringing the total to 304 reopened stores nationwide after temporarily closing due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Additionally, five stores are currently offering contact-free curbside pickup only. The company plans to have almost 500 reopened by June 3. “We’ve now reopened a third of our stores and plan to have nearly 500 reopened by June 3. To do this, we’re operating differently and taking a strategic and consistent approach, keeping associate and customer safety as our top …
— By Aaron Birney and Lara Marrero — Returning to the store in a post-pandemic world. The retail landscape has changed dramatically in the last few weeks. Many brands went from welcoming a solid holiday season to shuttering their doors with lightning speed. Today, retailers are dealing with store closures, layoffs and the question we all have: How long will this pandemic last? Many are still recovering from the shock of the last [few months], with their focus split between safety of family and employees and the real …
Baltimore — Under Armour has laid out details for the phased reopening of its owned stores in North America. The company reopened its first U.S. stores to customers on May 15th and opened additional stores the week of May 18th. By May 29, Under Armour plans to welcome customers back to nearly 50% of its North America stores. In regular consultation with government and public health officials, the company will continue to reopen additional stores on a case-by-case basis. “We are excited to begin reopening our doors in North America. …
Dallas — Tuesday Morning Corp. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The Dallas-based retailer says the actions are in response to “the immense strain the COVID-19 pandemic and related store closures have put on the business.” Tuesday Morning is a discount home furnishings chain. The company opened its first store in 1974 and currently operates 687 stores in 39 states. The retailer expects to permanently close approximately 230 stores to focus on high-performing locations. The phased store closures will take place this summer. After closing all stores and furloughing …
Bal Harbour, Fla. — With carefully considered planning, following CDC guidelines and in alignment with state and local officials, Bal Harbour Shops opened on May 18 with increased safety precautions to protect customers, retailers and employees. In keeping with Miami-Dade County and Bal Harbour Village ordinances, retail stores and indoor restaurant seating occupancy will be limited to 50% and salons will limit occupancy to 25%. “For over 55 years, Bal Harbour Shops has maintained an emotional connection with our customer and our community by enhancing the shopping experience. Making our …
Union, N.J. — Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. has unveiled a $10 million plan to donate essential items to those affected by COVID-19. The ‘Bringing Home Everywhere’ program will deliver products that provide home comfort and essential support to communities and those on the front line of the pandemic across the U.S. and Canada. “Our homes have become even more central to our lives during this crisis, yet we know that for many people that sense of home has been affected by the health and economic impacts of COVID-19,” says …
Fort Worth, Texas — Pier 1 Imports, Inc. has filed a motion seeking Bankruptcy Court approval to begin an orderly wind-down of the company’s retail operations as soon as reasonably possible after store locations are able to reopen following the government-mandated closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the wind-down, the company intends to sell its inventory and remaining assets, including its intellectual property and e-commerce business, through the court-supervised process. “We are grateful to our dedicated and hardworking associates, millions of customers and committed vendors who have collectively …
Plano, Texas — J.C. Penney Co. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a bid to strengthen its finances through an extensive debt restructuring. The company filed on May 15 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, located in Corpus Christi. The Plano, Texas-based retailer has secured $900 million in debtor-in-possession financing from its existing first-lien lenders that is expected to knock several billion dollars off its total debt load. J.C. Penney, a company with a 118-year operating history, said that it would disclose in …
— Interview with Christina Cornell — The Home Depot, which remains open during COVID-19, prioritizes the safety of its employees and customers, while still getting the job done. The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,292 stores. Whether facing a natural disaster or pandemic, the Atlanta-based retailer remains an essential business, so its stores stay open. In mid-April, Retail & Restaurant Facility Business interviewed Christina Cornell of The Home Depot about its business response, how it has adapted store operations, safety measures that have …