Major retailers plan to shut stores in the United States to limit the spread of COVID-19, including Nike, Under Armour , and Lululemon Athletica, a day after similar moves by several other US retailers. Coronavirus, which has already caused schools to close and put an end to sports events in the United States, is likely to hit retailers' sales as virus-wary shoppers in Europe and the U.S. stay home.
Nike stores in Canada, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand will be closed from March 16 to 27, 2020. Its stores in South Korea, Japan, most of China and in many other countries, however, would continue their normal operations. Under Armour would shutter all of its stores in North America for about two weeks, while Lululemon’s stores would be closed in North America and Europe for a similar period.
Nike and Lululemon operate more than 650 stores in the US, while Under Armour has nearly 190 stores in North America, according to the companies' latest annual reports. Their online stores would continue to be available to shoppers.
