'Macy’s Plans to Reopen All of Its 775 Stores in 6 to 8 Weeks' diff viewer (15/16)

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Macy’s Plans to Reopen All of Its 775 Stores in 6 to 8 Weeks	Macy’s Plans to Reopen All of Its 775 Stores in 6 to 8 Weeks
2020-06-24 14:14:25 UTC	2020-07-02 19:04:48 UTC (8 days later)
“No touch” consultations will be the rule at beauty counters. Ear piercing, bra fittings and alterations will be temporarily suspended. Fitting rooms will be limited. Employees will wear company-issued cloth masks. And trying on dress shirts? Forget about it.	“No touch” consultations will be the rule at beauty counters. Ear piercing, bra fittings and alterations will be temporarily suspended. Fitting rooms will be limited. Employees will wear company-issued cloth masks. And trying on dress shirts? Forget about it.
Macy’s, one of the biggest department store chains in the United States, announced these steps Thursday as part of an ambitious reopening plan. The company aims to reopen all of its 775 stores, including Bloomingdale’s, Bluemercury and its major flagships in Manhattan, in the next six to eight weeks, the latest sign of how eager the nation’s largest retailers are to return to business.	Macy’s, one of the biggest department store chains in the United States, announced these steps Thursday as part of an ambitious reopening plan. The company aims to reopen all of its 775 stores, including Bloomingdale’s, Bluemercury and its major flagships in Manhattan, in the next six to eight weeks, the latest sign of how eager the nation’s largest retailers are to return to business.
It also brought into sharper focus what retail shopping could look like in the pandemic era.	It also brought into sharper focus what retail shopping could look like in the pandemic era.
The reopenings are expected to start on Monday, with 68 stores in Georgia, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Macy’s will reopen 50 more locations on May 11. The company’s stores have been closed since March 18 because of the coronavirus pandemic, causing the majority of its sales to disappear.	The reopenings are expected to start on Monday, with 68 stores in Georgia, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Macy’s will reopen 50 more locations on May 11. The company’s stores have been closed since March 18 because of the coronavirus pandemic, causing the majority of its sales to disappear.
Macy’s expects its reopened stores to bring in only about 15 to 20 percent of their typical business at first and “slowly build” from there, the company’s chief executive, Jeff Gennette, said during a presentation. Whether shoppers would return, he acknowledged, was an open question.	Macy’s expects its reopened stores to bring in only about 15 to 20 percent of their typical business at first and “slowly build” from there, the company’s chief executive, Jeff Gennette, said during a presentation. Whether shoppers would return, he acknowledged, was an open question.
“We’ll see how they respond, and based on that, we’ll be a lot smarter,” he said. “So I’m going to know a lot more by Tuesday of next week.”	“We’ll see how they respond, and based on that, we’ll be a lot smarter,” he said. “So I’m going to know a lot more by Tuesday of next week.”
Mr. Gennette sought to strike an optimistic note about the health of Macy’s business — he noted that April sales were “stronger than we expected” — but he acknowledged that the company was simply not built to sustain the complete closing of its stores for a prolonged period.	Mr. Gennette sought to strike an optimistic note about the health of Macy’s business — he noted that April sales were “stronger than we expected” — but he acknowledged that the company was simply not built to sustain the complete closing of its stores for a prolonged period.
The presentation from Macy’s illustrated what the shopping experience might look like, and came days after Simon Property Group, one of the biggest U.S. mall operators, shared a similar reopening strategy with retailers. Stores will be filled with signs reminding customers to stand six feet apart, plexiglass barriers will be installed at cash registers and hand sanitizer stations will be placed by elevators and escalators. Even before the pandemic, foot traffic to stores had been down, and it remains to be seen whether shoppers will venture into these newly restricted environments while the country continues to deal with a highly contagious virus.	The presentation from Macy’s illustrated what the shopping experience might look like, and came days after Simon Property Group, one of the biggest U.S. mall operators, shared a similar reopening strategy with retailers. Stores will be filled with signs reminding customers to stand six feet apart, plexiglass barriers will be installed at cash registers and hand sanitizer stations will be placed by elevators and escalators. Even before the pandemic, foot traffic to stores had been down, and it remains to be seen whether shoppers will venture into these newly restricted environments while the country continues to deal with a highly contagious virus.
“Over the last several years, the way stores fought back against online was to suggest that the experience was worth the trip,” said Simeon Siegel, a managing director at BMO Capital Markets who covers retail and e-commerce. “In this new normal, for now, the experience is what puts you at risk. So it falls to the retailers to figure out how to create a socially distanced experience that makes the trip worth the inconvenience and the risk.”	“Over the last several years, the way stores fought back against online was to suggest that the experience was worth the trip,” said Simeon Siegel, a managing director at BMO Capital Markets who covers retail and e-commerce. “In this new normal, for now, the experience is what puts you at risk. So it falls to the retailers to figure out how to create a socially distanced experience that makes the trip worth the inconvenience and the risk.”
Mr. Siegel said he was surprised to see Macy’s create a plan for the next six weeks, given the uncertainty around when many states will relax shutdown orders and the possibility that a flare-up of illness could force them to close again.	Mr. Siegel said he was surprised to see Macy’s create a plan for the next six weeks, given the uncertainty around when many states will relax shutdown orders and the possibility that a flare-up of illness could force them to close again.
“It would be one thing to have internal plans — it’s another to make them public and be held accountable to them in a period of such flux,” he added.	“It would be one thing to have internal plans — it’s another to make them public and be held accountable to them in a period of such flux,” he added.
Macy’s said it would reopen stores only in markets where state and local governments said it was safe for nonessential retailers to return to business. In a presentation posted online, it also said that stores must be “financially attractive” and have “minimum viable staffing” to reopen. Staff members will need training on new health and safety routines. Macy’s furloughed the majority of its 123,000 employees in the past month.	Macy’s said it would reopen stores only in markets where state and local governments said it was safe for nonessential retailers to return to business. In a presentation posted online, it also said that stores must be “financially attractive” and have “minimum viable staffing” to reopen. Staff members will need training on new health and safety routines. Macy’s furloughed the majority of its 123,000 employees in the past month.
Some consumers may find it difficult to imagine shopping at a department store without touching, feeling and trying on everything from apparel to makeup.	Some consumers may find it difficult to imagine shopping at a department store without touching, feeling and trying on everything from apparel to makeup.
Macy’s plans seemed designed to mitigate shoppers’ inevitable squeamishness. It is establishing new rules for returned clothing and clothes that have been tried on and rejected: Those garments will be kept off the sales floor for 24 hours. The company will suspend “spalike” services and at beauty counters, customers will not be able to touch tester items like lipstick tubes and mascara.	Macy’s plans seemed designed to mitigate shoppers’ inevitable squeamishness. It is establishing new rules for returned clothing and clothes that have been tried on and rejected: Those garments will be kept off the sales floor for 24 hours. The company will suspend “spalike” services and at beauty counters, customers will not be able to touch tester items like lipstick tubes and mascara.
Employees who work in fragrance areas will still be able to hand out cards spritzed with perfume and cologne, but only if customers request them. Shoppers will be required to use hand sanitizer before trying on jewelry or watches. Some, but not all, employees will wear gloves.	Employees who work in fragrance areas will still be able to hand out cards spritzed with perfume and cologne, but only if customers request them. Shoppers will be required to use hand sanitizer before trying on jewelry or watches. Some, but not all, employees will wear gloves.
Beauty associates will be required to use testers, a makeup counter staple, on “face charts” with single-use disposable applicators. The charts are pieces of paper that depict a face, which associates can draw on to show customers how to use items like blush and lipstick.	Beauty associates will be required to use testers, a makeup counter staple, on “face charts” with single-use disposable applicators. The charts are pieces of paper that depict a face, which associates can draw on to show customers how to use items like blush and lipstick.
Macy’s said that roughly a quarter of the stores it planned to reopen on Monday were in Simon Property malls. Simon Property outlined plans this week to reopen 49 shopping centers in 10 states between Friday and Monday.	Macy’s said that roughly a quarter of the stores it planned to reopen on Monday were in Simon Property malls. Simon Property outlined plans this week to reopen 49 shopping centers in 10 states between Friday and Monday.
The mall operator also plans to post signs at its locations to manage traffic flow and spacing, and said that security officers and employees would “actively remind and encourage shoppers” to maintain a proper distance from others and to refrain from shopping in groups. It will also adust food court seating, shutter play areas and drinking fountains and restrict the number of sinks and urinals in restrooms. Macy’s and Simon Property did not say that customers would be required to wear masks.	The mall operator also plans to post signs at its locations to manage traffic flow and spacing, and said that security officers and employees would “actively remind and encourage shoppers” to maintain a proper distance from others and to refrain from shopping in groups. It will also adust food court seating, shutter play areas and drinking fountains and restrict the number of sinks and urinals in restrooms. Macy’s and Simon Property did not say that customers would be required to wear masks.
Putting safety measures into practice can prove challenging. Large retailers that have remained open during the pandemic because they sell food and other items that have been deemed essential have had difficulties getting customers to follow social distancing measures, store employees say.	Putting safety measures into practice can prove challenging. Large retailers that have remained open during the pandemic because they sell food and other items that have been deemed essential have had difficulties getting customers to follow social distancing measures, store employees say.
~~Updated June ~~24,~~ 2020~~	Updated June 30, 2020
	Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.	Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.	A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.	The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.	The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.	So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.	Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.	A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.	The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)	If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.	If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
Walmart stores, for example, have placed arrows on its floors to direct the flow of customer traffic through the aisles and prevent people from passing too close together as they shop.	Walmart stores, for example, have placed arrows on its floors to direct the flow of customer traffic through the aisles and prevent people from passing too close together as they shop.
But Ruby Ann Woolwine, who works at a Walmart in Dearborn, Mich., said many customers did not follow the arrows and crowding was still an issue. “People are coming into the store like it’s nothing,” Ms. Woolwine said in an interview this week.	But Ruby Ann Woolwine, who works at a Walmart in Dearborn, Mich., said many customers did not follow the arrows and crowding was still an issue. “People are coming into the store like it’s nothing,” Ms. Woolwine said in an interview this week.
Macy’s is also looking for other ways to get products out of stores and into the hands of consumers. Hundreds of Macy’s locations have been fulfilling and shipping online orders during the shutdown, and Mr. Gennette said curbside pickup would be available at additional stores.	Macy’s is also looking for other ways to get products out of stores and into the hands of consumers. Hundreds of Macy’s locations have been fulfilling and shipping online orders during the shutdown, and Mr. Gennette said curbside pickup would be available at additional stores.
Mr. Siegel said Macy’s plans reflect the difficulties facing the company and other department stores, which have been dealt a severe blow by their temporary closings.	Mr. Siegel said Macy’s plans reflect the difficulties facing the company and other department stores, which have been dealt a severe blow by their temporary closings.
“What is clear is that these companies need to drive revenue to survive and therefore the goal is to figure out how to open and stay open,” he said. “Everyone will be sitting on the edge of their seat watching as these stores open across the country and trying to get a gauge of what works, how it works and how they make sure they’re moving forward in a safe and successful way.”	“What is clear is that these companies need to drive revenue to survive and therefore the goal is to figure out how to open and stay open,” he said. “Everyone will be sitting on the edge of their seat watching as these stores open across the country and trying to get a gauge of what works, how it works and how they make sure they’re moving forward in a safe and successful way.”
An official at the union representing more than 6,000 Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s workers in New York said it first learned of the company’s plans to reopen by reading about them in news media reports on Thursday.	An official at the union representing more than 6,000 Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s workers in New York said it first learned of the company’s plans to reopen by reading about them in news media reports on Thursday.