The Brazilian retail giant Via Varejo announced that it is closing all physical stores of Casas Bahia and Ponto Frio chains in 21 Brazilian states due to the coronavirus epidemic, according to InfoMoney.

This move is similar to others made by Renner and Riachuelo, which also closed stores. Via Varejo stores will remain inoperable for an indefinite period. However, its ecommerce channel is still in operation. “We will continue to monitor the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to assess, in line with the sanitary and medical measures in force, the best time for the reopening”, informed Via Varejo.