Rosemont, Ill. — US Foods Holding Corp. is giving away free reopening kits to qualifying independent restaurant owners to help support restaurant reopening efforts in communities across the U.S. The reopening kits provide independent restaurant operators with must-have supplies such as masks and safety guidance posters as well as resource guides to navigate state and local COVID-19 reopening requirements and help create a safer environment for staff and customers alike. This initiative builds on the company’s ongoing commitment to providing foodservice operators with the expertise, resources and tools to help …
COVID-19
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, …
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 Matthew Mabie — While retail & restaurant construction is considered essential business, it’s still a far cry from “business as usual.” The federal government deemed construction an essential industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it hasn’t been business as usual for restaurant, grocery and retail construction projects. In some states and smaller jurisdictions, construction in these particular industries is not considered essential and has been forced to stop. Where construction is permitted, many businesses have been shuttered or are operating under severely strained conditions. Our firm …
— 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 …
Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. Introduces “Touch Free” Elevator Call System Smartphone Application
by Katie Lee
Cypress, Calif. — The Elevator & Escalator Division of Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc., headquartered in Cypress, Calif., has introduced an elevator call system application for smartphones. In this era of COVID-19, touch-free call interface with elevators can protect passengers and make them more comfortable. The smartphone application is designed for users to have a more personalized, seamless experience with elevators that are equipped with the Mitsubishi Electric Sigma AI 2200C Destination Oriented Allocation System (DOAS®). With the application, users who have passed their entrance security checkpoint have the ability to …
New Albany, Miss. — After a full review of its business opportunities, market conditions and other options, Refrigerated Solutions Group (RSG) has reached the difficult but necessary decision to begin the process of permanently closing its manufacturing facility located in New Albany, Miss. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused sudden, dramatic and unexpected conditions outside of the company’s control. The unprecedented and major economic downturn and the governmental-forced closures of many of RSG’s customers have contributed to these unforeseeable business conditions. As a result, product manufacturing will be consolidated to …
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 …