THUNDER BAY – A number of retail outlets are planning to close their doors temporarily in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Locally, the Gap and Old Navy will remain shuttered for two weeks.
"Our focus remains on supporting the health and livelihood of our employees, while caring for our customers and communities. We will provide our impacted store employees with pay continuity and benefits during this two-week period. And, together, we look forward to welcoming our customers back in our stores soon.
"To assist the efforts underway to slow the spread of the coronavirus, we are closing all stores in North America for the next two weeks," said Sonia Syngal, incoming CEO, Gap Inc.
Canadian Tire also announced temporary closures at many of its stores, including Mark's, SportChek and Party City will be shut down until at least April 2.
Canadian Tire Retail stores will remain open, but with reduced hours.
The company said it will reassess the closures in two weeks.
"Canadian Tire and our associate dealers have always been there to support their communities through emergencies and times of crisis, and for the last number of days, Canadians have turned to Canadian Tire Retail for the supplies they need to cope with the impact of COVID-19.
“As we continue to adapt to the country's fast-changing needs, we want to make sure we are doing everything we can to keep our stores open and support our team," said Greg Hicks, president and CEO, Canadian Tire Corporation.
"Closing our retail stores that are not as essential is the right decision, helping to limit the spread of the virus."
