In response to the global COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, VF Corporation announced the temporary closure of all owned retail stores across North America, effective March 16 through April 5. All retail employees at these locations will continue to receive full pay and benefits during the temporary closure period.
In addition to its retail fleet, VF has closed its corporate and brand offices in North America until April 5 and is enabling all office employees to work remotely. The temporary closure of both offices and retail locations may be extended depending on the overall state of the COVID-19 situation.
“During this time of uncertainty and concern, our steadfast commitment is to do what’s right for our people, consumers and our global communities,” said Steve Rendle, VF’s chairman, president and CEO. “The decision to close our retail stores, as well as our corporate and brand offices in North America, is the responsible thing to do to help mitigate the spread of the virus through social distancing. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and follow the guidance of global health professionals to ensure we’re doing our part to flatten the curve of newly confirmed cases.”
VF’s actions in North America are consistent with similar operational decisions made in its EMEA and Asia Pacific regions. In mainland Europe, VF has closed all offices and retail store locations until further notice, and its locations in the United Kingdom are currently operating on reduced hours.
In the Asia Pacific region, which was first impacted by the virus, VF initially closed the majority of its offices and retail locations. Currently, the company’s offices in Greater China are open and approximately 90 percent of its retail store locations are now open for business. While retail store traffic has steadily improved over the past month, it remains down significantly compared with the prior year. VF’s offices and retail locations in South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan remain open, but office employees are working remotely, and retail store locations are operating on reduced hours in some cases.
Consistent with VF’s long-term strategy, the company’s digital platform remains a high priority through which its brands stay connected with consumer communities while providing experiential content and service. In accordance with local government guidelines and in consultation with the guidance of global health professionals, VF has implemented measures to ensure the health, safety and well-being of associates employed in its distribution and fulfillment centers around the world. These facilities remain operational in order to support digital consumer engagement with its brands and to service retail partners as needed.
VF’s supply chain operations have experienced limited disruption to date as a result of the COVID-19 situation. Ongoing diversification efforts, such as re-directing manufacturing and materials sourcing, are underway in an attempt to mitigate potential future disruption. While it is not possible to gauge the full impact to VF’s supply chain at this time, VF continues to believe its global supply chain represents a key competitive advantage during periods of uncertainty and market volatility.
As stated in VF’s news release dated February 7, 2020, the coronavirus outbreak was not contemplated at the time VF provided its adjusted fiscal 2020 outlook on January 23, 2020. VF will provide an update as to the operational and financial impacts of the coronavirus during the company’s fourth-quarter fiscal 2020 conference call in May 2020.
VF’s brands include Vans, The North Face, Timberland and Dickies.
Photo courtesy VF Corp.
