In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many retailers are stepping up and taking preventative measures to put the safety of its workers and consumers first.
For a number of retailers, this means temporarily closing its stores — and in some cases, company-wide operations — to prevent the spread of Coronavirus across North America.
Here is a list of retailers who have chosen to temporarily close stores in response to COVID-19.
Note: This article will be updated as more stores and brands announce temporary COVID-19 store closures.
Apple
Apple was amongst the first retailers to make the call on COVID-19 store closures. While shoppers can still visit the online store and the Apple Store app, all retail locations will be closed until March 27.
Patagonia
Patagonia was also amongst the first retailers to announce the temporary closure of stores. The outdoor retailer temporarily closed its stores, offices, and other operations on March 13. At the time of writing, the retailer’s online store is closed as well and Patagonia plans on reassessing the situation on March 27.
Nike
With the well being of teammates and shoppers at top priority, Nike made the decision to close stores in multiple countries including Canada and the U.S. to help limit the spread of the Coronavirus. The closures came into effect on March 16 and will run until March 27, though you can still shop online and through Nike apps.
Urban Outfitters
Another retailer taking precautions in light of COVID-19 is Urban Outfitters. In a statement to the UO community, the company announced that it would be temporarily closing stores globally. Urban Outfitters noted that stores will not reopen until at least March 28 and all team members will continue being paid during this time. The online store and app are still open to shop.
Anthropologie
Urban Outfitter’s sister store Anthropologie will also be temporarily closing stores. In a statement released on Instagram on March 15, the retailer announced that stores will be closed until at least March 28. The online store and app will still be accessible to shoppers during this time.
Free People
Another retailer in the Urban Outfitters family that announced COVID-19 store closures is Free People. The retailer announced via Instagram that effective March 15, all stores will be closed until March 28. The online store and app will remain open.
lululemon
On March 15, lululemon announced that it will be temporarily closing stores across North America and Europe from March 16 to 27. In the statement, the athleticwear company noted that all employees will still receive pay for all hours scheduled to work and will have access to lululemon’s Global Pay Relief plan.
Reformation
Reformation announced that it will be taking precautions and close stores until further notice. The statement, which was released on March 14, did not specify when stores will reopen but did reassure that retail staff will be receiving paid leave and that the online store will remain open.
Lush
In a statement, Lush let shoppers know that all 258 retail stores across Canada and the U.S. will be closed until March 29. The company also noted that due to its made fresh by hand operations, that it will be significantly scaling down its manufacturing and distribution. For the time being, Lush’s online store will continue to run, though shoppers should expect digital orders to take extra time.
Abercrombie & Fitch
In a statement, Abercrombie & Fitch announced that it will be closing all of its stores outside the Asia-Pacific region as of March 15. This includes abercrombie kids. Its online stores will remain open and the company will be extending its return policy to cover the period of store closures. There is no set reopen date for its physical locations as of yet.
Hollister Co.
Hollister Co., which is apart of the Abercrombie & Fitch family of stores, will also be closing all of its stores outside of the Asia-Pacific region as of March 15. Like Abercrombie & Fitch, its online store will remain open with an extended return policy.
Aritzia
On March 15, Aritzia released a statement on Instagram that noted all retail locations will be closed until further notice. In order to support its employees during this time, the Vancouver-based retailer set up a Community Relief Fund, stating that “all of Aritzia’s profits while we get through this challenging time, will go to the Aritzia Community Relief Fund to support our people and their families.” Aritzia.com is still accessible for those looking to shop.
Under Armour
In a statement to Business Insider, Under Armour confirmed that it will be temporarily closing stores in North America. The stores will be closed until March 28, and all employees will be compensated during this time. The online store and its online outlet continue to stay open.
UNIQLO
UNIQLO announced store closures in a letter to its community. All retail locations across Canada are closed until March 30, effective May 17. Shoppers are still able to shop online in the meantime.
Levi’s
Another retailer that’s made the decision to close is Levi’s. The denim retailer has temporarily closed Levi’s and Levi’s Outlet stores across North America and plans to reopen on March 27. All staff are being compensated during this time and the online store is still open to shop.
Nordstrom & Nordstrom Rack
As of March 17, Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack stores in the U.S. and Canada will temporarily close for two weeks. All of the store employees will be provided with pay and benefits during this time.
Sephora
On March 17, Sephora made the difficult decision to close all of its retail locations in Canada and the U.S. All retail workers will be paid during the hiatus. Sephora stores are planned to reopen on April 3, but until then, you can still shop the online store and receive free shipping with the promotion code “FREESHIP”.
Hudson’s Bay
Hudson’s Bay has temporarily closed all stores until the end of March, with store associates receiving pay for all scheduled shifts. At this time, thebay.com is still up and running for shoppers and the Canadian department store has extended its return policy. For online shoppers who have placed a “Buy Online Pick Up In Store” order, the retailer is arranging curbside pick up.
Holt Renfrew
The upscale department store made the decision to temporarily close all of its retail locations on March 17. The retailer did not announce when it planned on reopening. The online store remains open to shop with free shipping and returns.
Harry Rosen
Another upscale department store closing its doors to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 is Harry Rosen. On March 17, it announced that all Harry Rosen, Harry Rosen Outlet, and Zegna-branded stores would remain closed until March 31.
Zara
Fast-fashion giant Zara has temporarily closed 3,785 stores globally, including its Canadian locations, though its online store remains open. During this time, Inditex, the company that owns Zara, has made a major push to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus, donating much-needed masks for patients and medical workers in Europe.
IKEA
On March 18, IKEA announced that it would close all of its Canadian stores in order to “support social distancing efforts and based on recommendations from local health authorities.” While the stores are closed, IKEA’s 7,300 store employees across the country will be supported by a “comprehensive benefits package and paid leave policy” and the online store will still be open to shop.
H&M
All H&M retail locations will be temporarily closed until April 2. Employees will continue to receive pay during the two weeks of closures. During the closures, H&M’s online store will still be open and the retailer is offering 90-day returns, free shipping, and free returns.
Aldo Shoes
The Montreal-based footwear and accessories retailer announced that it would close stores across Canada, the U.S., the U.K., France, and Ireland until March 31. The online store is still open to shop and the retailer is offering free standard shipping on all orders and extended returns.
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Getting through these long cold months can be hard on our skin. The cold and dry air typically doesn’t do great things for our complexion, making this the perfect time amp up your skincare routine because your skin is probably begging for a little extra help and some good TLC right about now. Plus, there’s nothing better than winding down at the end of the night with a top rated face mask and maybe even a bubble bath. There are so many great and face masks on the market with varying capabilities, all seeming to serve the ultimate relaxation and pampering we all need during this time of year.
These are 10 of the top rated face masks on the market to help your skin during these chillier times!
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Stock up on your favourite Lush products now because on September 27, 2019, Lush is closing all of its store locations and facilities for a cause near and dear to the company.
But don’t worry, the closures won’t last forever.
For one day only, Lush will be taking a hiatus to join the climate strike. Joining forces with 16-year-old activist Greta Thunberg and those she has inspired, Lush and its employees will hit the streets to make some noise.
As a business with deep roots in environmental activism, giving our thousands of staff the time to get out there and demand bold action is a no brainer.
— Mark Wolverton, President and CEO of Lush Cosmetics North America
“We all share this planet, so we need to band together to sound the alarm and show our politicians that ‘business as usual’ is no longer an option. The climate crisis won’t wait, and neither will we,” Lush’s President and CEO Mark Wolverton says.
Lush closing stores makes total sense — the company has been a strong advocate for the earth since its inception.
The cause is engrained in Lush’s ethos. Over the last 10 years, the company has donated $12 million to 715 environmental justice organizations. And as a business, Lush also practices what it preaches in a number of ways. Lush grows ingredients in its four Lush-owned regenerative farms, uses solar power to offset its retail consumption, is package-free, and enables customers to give back through its Charity Pot fund.
The company is all for using its platform for good.
And this year is actually Lush’s 23rd anniversary of creating a totally vegetarian (and 85% vegan) cosmetics and bath and body care using ethically and sustainably sources fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients.
Life isn’t always easy and it becomes even more exhausting when you have to pay for fun — especially in a city as expensive as Toronto! But this month, you won’t have to worry about that. We’ve found 8 free events that won’t burn a hole in your pocket this August, so you can just focus on having a good time.
These 8 free Toronto events will add a little more guilt-free fun to your August 2019!
Taste Of Danforth – August 9-11
Instagram/@tastedanforth
Canada’s largest festival is taking place from August 9 to 11, welcoming you to a huge party in Greek Town — and the best part yet? It’s free! Grab your friends and spend the weekend eating delicious food (all food is $6 or less!) and enjoying all of the free entertainment and activities.
Toronto’s Fashion Photo Walk 2019 – August 10
Instagram/@allisomething
This event takes a super fun approach in uniting content creators, bloggers, and photographers from all over the city. For Toronto’s Fashion Photo Walk, you’ll get to spend the day at High Park snapping perfect pictures with like-minded individuals. If you have a zeal for creativity, then you won’t want to miss this! Just don’t forget to register before you go.
Clothing Repairathon – August 10
This thoughtful initiative by Withrow Park Farmers’ Market takes place on August 10. Guests can get their clothes repaired for free by the event’s volunteers. In fact, if you are interested in learning how to sew buttons or do alterations, the volunteers will be more than happy to teach you, too. It’s an event worth visiting if you have any pieces that needs some extra love!
#NationalFaceMaskDay At LUSH — August 11
Because LUSH knows that Sundays are for self-care, the beauty brand is launching the first-ever #NationalFaceMask day on Sunday, August 11. So what does that entail? Freebies! By visiting any LUSH store across North America, you can score a free face mask sample. And when you get a chance to try it out at home, snap a selfie with the hashtag #NationalFaceMaskDay and you’ll be entered to win $500 in LUSH products.
Yoga In The Square – August 12
Instagram/@ydsquare
Get outside and give your body the loving it needs with free yoga at Yonge and Dundas Square. From 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. each Monday of the month, you can find your inner sanctuary through thoughtful movement with Lululemon. The next session is on August 12, but if you can’t make it, there will be sessions on August 19 and 26. While there will be mats available, they are limited, so if you have your own, bring it! Register for the next class here.
Open Streets TO – August 18
Instagram/@openstreetsto
Cooped up at home? Come out and celebrate summer at the Open Street TO event, which will be taking place all over the city. The event starts at Ossington and Bloor, and goes all the way down to Yonge and Queen. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., walk, play, and bike around the streets with your neighbours! Last year featured live music and art, yoga, games, and more, so you can bet it’s gonna be a good time.
TaiwanFEST – August 23-25
Instagram/@d_falconer
Located at the Harbourfront Centre, immerse yourself in Taiwanese art, music, dance, and food at TaiwanFEST. There will be street art, amazing performances, and delicious delicacies to explore. This year the festival runs from August 23 to 25, so round up your family and friends — it’ll be a weekend packed full of fun!
Toronto Buskerfest – August 30
Get ready for the famous Toronto Buskerfest! The family-friendly event will take place at Woodbine park from August 30 to September 2. All of the best buskers will be in attendance offering laughs and hours of entertainment. While the event isn’t technically free, it is by donation, so you get to choose what you pay. Not to mention, the entrance donation goes to a great cause and will support Epilepsy Toronto.
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Forget window shopping. Online shopping without checking out is where it’s at these days. But for those times when you’re actually ready to pull the trigger — or press the “checkout” button — you’re going to need some solid apps to browse on.
Gone are the days when companies can do the bare minimum with their apps.
These days, we need exclusive perks and discounts in order to give up the precious space on our phones for their specific apps. So, which ones are the best? Which ones haven’t you checked out yet? We’re here to help.
The retailers below have the best mobile shopping apps.
1. Dynamite
Dynamite has a really, really good app. Not only is it visually pleasing to look at, but it has an interface that is easy to use and even easier to browse. Once you’ve pulled together your haul (or found alternate locations to pick up your items because the app makes finding your specific choices in-store a total breeze), you can apply special in-app coupons to your cart. After checking out using your Dynamite ID, you can earn badges that add up to rewards. Some are challenges — like buying something both in store or online — and some are “buy $200 worth of stuff” goals. Achieving any of them will nab you discounts. Sounds pretty…dyn-o-mite.
2. AliExpress
Last year was all about Wish. This year? AliExpress. While AliExpress’ app is a little more complicated than Wish’s, they have a way bigger selection of products. Not only that, but AliExpress allows you to collect points towards big discounts, gives you coupons for every vendor you buy from, and offers free shipping on a ton of products. Shipping is also way easier to track, and you can speak directly with sellers if your stuff hasn’t arrived in your given shipping window. Just make sure you’re patient, just like Wish, packages take a while to arrive.
3. Lush
4. Rebdolls
If you haven’t heard of Rebdolls, get on it! They’re a size-inclusive company that carries cute clothes from XS to 5X — so there really is something for everyone. They style their clothes on models of all sizes, have app-only discounts, and a rewards program called the Dolls Club. Can you say cute? Get the app.
5. Forever 21
Forever 21’s app is a study in beautiful design. You can switch currencies, easily add or remove items, use your Forever 21 credit card, or use the app’s built-in scanner while in-store to get more info on where you can find your chosen product elsewhere. Any questions you have about products can be asked in Forever 21’s social area, which connects to Facebook. And you can get exclusive offers, updates, and release info!
6. ASOS
ASOS is your one-stop shop for…everything, really. They have over 850 brands and 85,000 products to browse through, so your odds of finding what you want are pretty high. Their app even has an outfit finder! You can snap a picture of an outfit you like, and ASOS will search its databases or close or exact matches of the clothes you’re after. The app will also take note of what you like to browse and recommend pieces it thinks you’ll like. This is the future!
7. Etsy
If handmade or vintage is what you’re after, Etsy is where you want to be. Etsy’s app interface makes shopping easy, with filtered searches and curated recommendations based on your shopping preferences. It also has a message centre to help you chat with the different sellers you buy from! A unique option of Etsy’s is their “nearby” feature — it’ll tell you if an Etsy seller is selling something you’re into near you! You won’t find an item quite like an Etsy item.
Featured image: YouTube/Lush Australasia