An increasing number of national and local retailers are temporarily shutting stores or altering hours of operation as the ongoing coronavirus outbreak and social distancing policies take a toll on businesses across the nation.
Macy's has closed all stores
through March 31, including its Southridge Mall and Mayfair locations. Nordstrom stores are closed for the next two weeks, including its store at Mayfair and Nordstrom Rack outlet at the Mayfair Collection.
Ikea has temporarily closed all U.S. stores, including its Oak Creek location. The Swedish furniture and home goods company did not disclose a reopening date in its announcement on Twitter.
Apple has closed all retail stores outside Greater China until March 17. That includes its local stores at Bayshore Mall and Mayfair.
In addition, Milwaukee Public Market in the city's Historic Third Ward has closed completely until further notice, according to a media release Wednesday morning. The closure
includes carry-out and to-go orders, which had been available since Monday. Vendors are currently exploring curbside pick-up and delivery options, as well as making plans to donate existing food and other products to employees, first responder groups and food pantries.
Menomonee Falls-based retailer Kohl's is temporarily closing some retail locations and has limited hours to 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at other locations until further notice, in order to "ensure that all stores are well-staffed and cleaned during peak times," according to a press release and securities filing. Kohl's has 1,100 store locations nationwide, including about 20 in southeastern Wisconsin.
"We will always put our customers and associates first, and that commitment has never been more important, said Kohl's chief executive officer Michelle Gass in a statement last week. "Our team is working hard to maintain a clean shopping environment to promote the health and safety of all who depend on us."
Kohl’s said it is abiding by guidelines by geographic region. Shoppers can confirm which stores are open via the company's website.
Other national retailers (with local stores) that have reduced hours include Target, J.C. Penney and Walmart.
Grocers face different circumstances as they work to ensure employees and customers are safe while
keeping up with unprecedented demand for food, toilet paper, cleaning supplies and other items.
Starting Wednesday, Festival Foods locations previously open 24 hours will now close at midnight and open at 5 a.m.
"We are making this change to provide our guests and associates the safest environment possible while also replenishing our stock levels," the company
said in a news release.
The Kroger Co., parent company of Milwaukee grocery chain operator Roundy’s Inc.,
also announced it would close its Metro Market and Pick ‘N Save stores at 10 p.m. daily.
Some stores have designated shopping time for seniors or those at high risk for contracting coronavirus.
Milwaukee-based Sendik's Food Market has asked shoppers to reserve the 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. hour for those individuals.
"We know you look to us to provide food and supplies to your family, and this is a responsibility we take very seriously," the Balistreri family owners
said in a letter addressed to customers.
As of Wednesday, Waukesha-based Good Harvest Market is opening an hour early to allow seniors and high-risk customers to shop from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. Monday through Thursday.
Target is reserving the first hour of shopping each Wednesday for vulnerable shoppers. Whole Foods Market stores in the U.S. and Canada will open doors for customers 60 and older one hour before opening to the public.
The coronavirus outbreak and resultant wave of temporary retail store closures is forcing area malls to respond.
Brookfield Square, Southridge Mall and Mayfair are closed indefinitely, with restaurant tenants offering curbside pick-up and delivery. Bayshore remains open, but instructs customers to contact retailers directly for information about store hours and operations.
The Corners of Brookfield has closed all non-essential retail tenants temporarily through March 29, but grocers and restaurants remain operational.
"As an open-air center, we have a unique opportunity to maintain access to essential services such as Sendik’s Food Market, Wisconsin Vision and our restaurants for curbside pick-up and delivery options," according to a press release.
