Apple closing all stores worldwide outside China
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Apple has closed all its stores outside of Greater China in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
According to a company statement, all of Apple’s retail stores outside China will be closed until March 27 however, its online store and “Apple store” app remain open.
Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company’s experiences while trading in China earlier this year drove the decision.
“One of those lessons is that the most effective way to minimize risk of the virus’s transmission is to reduce density and maximize social distance,” the company said in the statement.
Apple said in all its offices outside Greater China, it is moving to a “flexible work arrangement”, which means team members will work remotely if their job allows. All hourly workers will continue to be paid “in alignment with business-as-usual operations”.
Apple shut down all its stores in Mainland China in early February when the country was heavily affected by the outbreak. Recently, it has progressively reopened stores and all 42 outlets in Mainland China have now resumed normal business.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary reason Apple is closing its stores outside Greater China?
What is the primary reason Apple is closing its stores outside Greater China?
Apple's decision to close stores outside Greater China is a direct response to the coronavirus outbreak. The company's experience in China highlighted the effectiveness of reducing density and maximising social distance to minimise virus transmission risk.
Q.Will Apple employees who work hourly continue to receive pay during the store closures?
Will Apple employees who work hourly continue to receive pay during the store closures?
Yes, all hourly workers for Apple stores outside Greater China will continue to be paid during this period. The company has stated this is in alignment with its business-as-usual operations.
Q.Are Apple's online sales channels also closed during this period?
Are Apple's online sales channels also closed during this period?
No, Apple's online store and its 'Apple store' app remain open for customers. The closures only apply to the physical retail locations outside of Greater China, allowing online purchasing to continue.
Q.When does Apple expect to reopen its stores that have been closed?
When does Apple expect to reopen its stores that have been closed?
Apple's retail stores outside China are planned to be closed until March 27. The company statement indicates this is the provisional date for reopening, subject to ongoing developments with the outbreak.
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