Genesco Inc., the parent of Journeys, provided details on store reopening plans as well as business updates in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Friday, May 1, 2020, Genesco began reopening some stores where state and local officials have allowed malls to operate. The company’s Journeys business is currently operating in more than 300 locations and anticipates reopening over 400 stores by the end of May. The company’s Johnston & Murphy business plans to begin its initial phase of store reopenings with up to 30 locations reopening this week, up to an additional 40 locations next week, and a more aggressive schedule to follow. Based upon the current plans of state and local governments, Genesco said it expects many more openings in June.

All store locations are operating under enhanced measures to ensure the health and safety of its employees and customers, including requiring employees to wear masks, providing hand sanitizer in multiple locations throughout each store for customer and employee use, enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols, reconfigured sales floors to promote physical distancing, and modified employee and customer interactions to limit contact.

The company’s Schuh business is preparing to safely open stores and eagerly awaiting further direction from local governments before setting a timetable to re-start retail operations.

Genesco will continue its phased approach to reopen stores when the following conditions are met:

  • state and local governments have allowed stores to operate;
  • Genesco believes it can operate safely under its enhanced health and safety measures; and
  • Genesco believes that it can ensure the safety of its employees and customers

Mimi E. Vaughn, Genesco’s president and chief executive officer, said, “While we have been pleased with the sales we are experiencing through our e-commerce platforms, we are very excited to once again serve our customers through our stores. Our teams have spent countless hours meticulously preparing for the reopening of our stores in the right way with safety and health as our highest priority.”

Photo courtesy Genesco/Journey’s