Department store giant Myer will temporarily close its stores from end of business Sunday until at least April 27.
Around 10,000 staff will be stood down as a result.
In a statement, Myer said the health and wellbeing of its staff and customers was the company’s priority as the coronavirus crisis intensifies in Australia.
Myer will continue to operate all online businesses, the company said in a statement on Friday night.
It has reduced the threshold for free delivery to $49 per order and has relaxed its returns policy.
Huge staff layoff
From Monday, approximately 10,000 staff members will lose their jobs across the country.
“As team members will not be working, they will not be paid during this period of imposed closure,” the company’s statement reads.
Instead, staff members will be given greater flexibility to access annual leave and long service leave entitlements in addition to government assistance measures.
“Our thoughts are with our team members, and their families, as we know this will be a difficult period,” Myer said.
The company said it would offer its staff free counselling and support as it made the transition, at least temporarily, to an online-only business.
“The decision to temporarily close all Myer stores and stand down so many loyal and dedicated team members is one of the toughest decisions this company has faced in its 120 years of operation,” Myer CEO John King said.
“Our focus must remain on operating our business in a manner that protects the health and wellbeing of customers and team members … in limiting the spread of COVID-19.”
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