To fight the spread of COVID-19, retail chains close stores across the region

Ecommerce operations will be maintained, but in some cases with fewer employees providing services

20.Mar.2020 11:01 BRT

Brazilian retail giants take steps in prevention of coronavirus spreading;
Renner will shut physical stores in Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina.

The Brazilian fashion retailer Renner announced on Thursday that it decided to close all of its physical stores in Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina for an indefinite period. Camicado, Decathlon, Youcom and Ashua units will close as well. Ecommerce operations will be maintained, but in some cases with fewer employees providing services.

In a statement published by Valor Econômico, Renner explained that its administrative staff will work from home. On Wednesday the Brazilian retailer had already announced the temporary closure of stores in places where there is a local recommendation to do it. On its own initiative, it is interrupting activities in stores in the greater São Paulo, as the state is the location with the largest number of confirmed cases and deaths by the COVID-19 disease. The sporting goods multinational Decathlon is temporarily closing 5 of its 31 units in Brazil, and shortening opening periods in other stores, according to Folha de S. Paulo.

Meanwhile, Riachuelo is also taking steps to prevent the spread of the new virus, according to Money Times. The company closed factories in Fortaleza and Natal, in the Northeast of Brazil. The decision is valid since last Wednesday for Fortaleza and since Thursday for Natal. It aims to prevent the crowding of people in the same environment and to avoid exposing its employees to greater risks such as the use of public transport, according to the company.