Some Fresno area stores closing as coronavirus concerns spread
First, bars were closing and restaurants were closing their dining rooms. Now, some stores are closing as they try to protect their workers and shoppers from the possible spread of coronavirus.
Both chain stores and to a lesser extent locally owned stores are announcing temporary closures.
Macy’s announced Tuesday it would close all its stores by the end of the day, including its department stores and the discount Macy’s Backstage store at Fashion Fair.
““The health and safety of our customers, colleagues and communities is our utmost priority. As a result of the recent COVID-19 developments, we have decided to temporarily close our stores,” said CEO Jeff Gennette, adding that the company will work with government and health officials on the right time to reopen.
Online shopping through Macy’s is still available.
Locally, the Tagua store in Clovis has temporarily closed, with plans to reopen May 1.
Much of the store, which sells fair trade goods, is staffed with volunteers who are older. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday advised people age 65 and over to self-isolate at home to avoid getting or spreading COVID-19.
The store will move its remaining volunteers into the Fresno location in Fig Garden Village, which remains open, according to an email the store sent to customers.
The Discovery Shop, the thrift shop that raises money for the American Cancer Society, has temporarily closed all its stores in California.
Apple was one of the first chain stores to announce last week that it is closing all its stores outside of China until further notice.
The list of chain stores in the Fresno area that are temporarily closed includes: The Children’s Place, Sephora, Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Bath & Body Works, Chico’s, White House Black Market, Soma, DSW, Foot Locker, Hollister, Lululemon, Lush cosmetics, Williams-Sonoma and Vans.
