PVH Corp., owner of a portfolio of brands including Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, today released a phased reopening plan for its stores in the U.S. and around the world as the company continues to navigate the COVID-19 crisis.
The company is taking a measured approach, considering not only the ability to reopen but local infection rate trends, store staff readiness and training, and the availability of protective and cleaning equipment and supplies to prioritize the health and safety of associates, consumers and communities generally. Specific practices will vary by region as informed by local ordinances.
As of today, approximately 180 company-operated stores across all brands are now open in North America, along with 350 in Europe, 1,000 in Asia, 75 in Australia and four in Brazil. Phased reopening will continue over the next several weeks as additional localities lift restrictions on retail operations and other requirements are met.
“We are so grateful to our retail teams for their unbelievable dedication and hard work helping us get back to business. PVH has long worked to create an inclusive workplace environment where every individual is valued, and we recognize that everyone comes to this crisis with a different personal situation. As we collectively begin to create a ‘new normal,’ we will continue to prioritize health and safety,” said Manny Chirico, chairman and CEO, PVH Corp.
PVH is also continuing to expand its digital connections with consumers. Tommy Hilfiger will host a May 26 shoppable live stream event across North America and Europe on Tommy.com, featuring stylists and influencers.
The PVH global leadership team has worked across its businesses and functions on the reopening plan that includes protocols applicable to stores, warehouses and offsite locations designed with health and safety in mind from the warehouse through purchase. Protocols in stores include extensive use of masks, reduced occupancy, social-distancing measures, added cleaning procedures, changes to fitting room use and enhanced return policies.
Company associates in the U.S. and Canada will add enhanced health and safety practices to daily operations including:
- Masks: New disposable masks and gloves will be provided to associates each day of work. There will be at least two dedicated receptacles onsite for safety equipment disposal.
- Assigned equipment: At the beginning of each workday, associates will be assigned labeled equipment such as two-way radios, earpieces, folding carts and rolling racks that will be cleaned after each shift.
- Temperature checks: Associates must take their temperature 1 hour prior to reporting for work – and stay home if they have a temperature at or greater than 100.4 degrees F. They also will be required at the beginning of each shift.
- Health & Safety concern reporting: Associates have several options to report any health and safety concerns including store managers, field leadership, human resources and the Tell PVH hotline.
Similar practices are being implemented in other countries and regions.
Consumers arriving at our stores in the U.S. and Canada can expect to see the following changes to support ongoing health and safety precautionary measures including:
- Social distancing requirements: There is a 6-foot radius required between all people at any given time. The maximum sales floor occupancy is one person per 200 square feet.
- Masks: Consumers are required to wear masks and gloves where required by government regulation.
- Hours of operation: Stores will be open 11 am-7 pm Mondays through Saturdays, and 12-6 pm on Sundays. The modified schedule allows for additional cleaning and restocking.
- Store layout: Most locations will have one external facing door dedicated as an entrance and one dedicated an exit.
- Store facilities: Fitting rooms and shopper totes will be unavailable for use. Product returns will be extended to 90 days, will be dated upon return and be held in the fitting room area for 72 hours and then treated before being put back on the sales floor. Shoppers will be directed to mall restrooms.
Similar practices are being implemented in other countries and regions.
The PVH Foundation, PVH’s philanthropic fund specifically dedicated to nonprofit donations and volunteer programs, has announced a commitment of more than $2 million toward COVID-19 relief efforts, and PVH Supply has secured more than 16 million units of personal protection equipment and protective supplies.
Photo courtesy PVH