Old Navy has made a big change in response to the global threat of COVID-19. The clothing retail chain is closing all stores in the U.S. and Canada for the next two weeks to help prevent the spread of the virus. Though it will impact Old Navy’s sales, this measure is intended to help keep the brand’s employees and customers safe and healthy.
Old Navy sent a message out to its followers on Instagram last week, outlining its new plan to close stores. The caption explained, “As the situation remains ever-changing, the health and well-being of our communities has remained our top priority.”
It also left people with an uplifting message for this confusing time: “If you’re feeling like there’s a lot going on right now, honestly, we’re right there with you. But since we’ve always been glass-half-full kind of people, we know we’ll get through this stronger together.”
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Old Navy's online store, OldNavy.com, will stay open during this time. Plus, all orders over $25 qualifies for free shipping right now to make up for the fact that people can't pick orders up in stores.
To keep online shopping safe, the company said that it is increasing its scheduled cleanings and sanitization efforts in its distribution centers, and making sure all employees follow recommendations from the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control to wash their hands frequently and stay home when they're sick.
Old Navy extended its return window for all purchases made after January 1, 2020. Now, all purchases made between then and March 31, 2020 can be returned until July 1, 2020 so that the store closures don't negatively impact shoppers.
The company is also working to ensure the closures won't negatively impact its workers. Old Navy said it will continue to pay its affected employees and offer benefits during the store closures over the two-week period.
“To assist the efforts underway to slow the spread of the coronavirus, we are closing all stores in North America for the next two weeks,” Sonia Syngal, the incoming CEO of Gap Inc., which owns Old Navy, said in a press release. “Our focus remains on supporting the health and livelihood of our employees, while caring for our customers and communities. We will provide our impacted store employees with pay continuity and benefits during this two-week period. And, together, we look forward to welcoming our customers back in our stores soon.”
Old Navy's sister brands, Gap, Banana Republic, Intermix, Athleta and Janie and Jack, are all taking part in store closures as well.
