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Shoshy reports that StockX initially kept its authentication centers open when states ordered nonessential businesses to shut down in March. Internal sources told her that there have been seven confirmed COVID-19 cases throughout the company.
The buzzy sneaker resale platform recently laid off 12% of its workforce, as employees worry about safety issues.
"We are currently part of the problem and not the solution," said a message sent to the company's Slack channel. "By having our facilities continue to stay open we are on the wrong side of history."
Irene and I have been trying to untangle how restaurants are dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, as states begin to allow dining rooms to reopen. Here are some of our takeaways:
Even when restaurants reopen, they won't look the same. Starbucks is setting up stations to pick up orders in its doorways, and BBQ chain Smokey Bones is using red tape to block off certain tables to promote social distancing.
Reopening doesn't mean that 2020 is going to suddenly turn around for restaurants. UBS expects sales will plummet 40% this year, undoing 20 years of growth for the industry as grocery stores dominate.
Madeline reports clothing retailers are facing a massive inventory problem as stores — including off-price stores — across the country stay closed.
Typically, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, and Burlington are an avenue for full-price retailers to offload products that haven't been selling well at their own stores. But, off-price retailers aren't taking orders because they're closed, so brands are left without that option.
Bethany reports on how companies like Thinx and Top see the coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity. Sales are surging, as some traditional feminine care brands see shortages and customers shelter in place.
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In the words of Maria Molland, CEO of Thinx: "Periods don't stop for pandemics."
Hayley interviewed Amazon's vice president of worldwide workplace health and safety, Heather MacDougall.
"I've learned in my first year with Amazon that there's speed in business, there's Amazon speed, and now there's pandemic speed," she said. "We've had to think fast and move quicker."
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