Ed Stack, Dick’s Sporting Goods’ CEO, shown above, announced that the retailer will close its locations from March 19 until April 2 “in support of the nation’s efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

Employees will receive full pay and benefits over the two-week period. Online operations remain open.

The closures come after Dick’s on March 16 said that as of March 17 it will be closing 10 stores and reducing daily hours across the chain due to the coronavirus outbreak. The revised store hours included 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays.

Dozens of retailers, including Macy’s, Nordstrom and Lands’ End, have temporarily closed their locations in recent days to help stop the spread of coronavirus. Many of Dick’s top vendor partners including Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, VF Corp. and Columbia, have temporarily shuttered their doors.

In a regulatory filing, Dick’s also said that “subsequent to March 10, 2020, the Company experienced a significant reduction in customer traffic and demand resulting from the continued spread of COVID-19.”  While also noting the decision to close stores temporarily, the company said it was withdrawing its guidance for the year. Dick’s wrote in the filing, “Because of the negative impact of COVID-19 on the company’s financial results and the uncertainty related to its duration, the Company is withdrawing its fiscal 2020 outlook. The Company is not providing an updated outlook at this time.”

The full statement from Stack on the closures follows.

…

<span style="color: #a3a3a3;">In support of the nation’s efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, DICK’S Sporting Goods will temporarily close all retail locations for two weeks, starting at the close of business today, March 18. We are planning to reopen Thursday, April 2. This includes our DICK’S Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy and Field & Stream stores.

We will remain open and ready to serve our customers via our mobile apps and online and through our new Curbside Contactless Pickup service at our DICK’S and Golf Galaxy stores. During this time, our curbside pick-up option will be available to customers between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, seven days a week.

We realize the impact a closure can have on our teammates, and this is not a decision we made lightly. To help alleviate challenges during this temporary closure, we will be providing full pay and benefits during this two-week timeframe for all teammates.

Our company has always done what’s right for the safety of our communities. We look forward to re-opening and serving you in person soon.

Sincerely,
Ed Stack
DICK’S Sporting Goods Chairman & CEO

Photo courtesy Dicks Sporting Goods