The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a sharp economic toll on the retail industry worldwide as many retailers and shopping centers were forced to shut down for months due to mandated stay-at-home orders. As a result of these closures, online retailers received a major boost in sales as customers looked for alternative ways to shop and the effects of the retail apocalypse were exacerbated.[1] A number of notable retailers filed for bankruptcy including Ascena Retail Group, Debenhams, Arcadia Group, Brooks Brothers, GNC, J. C. Penney, Lord & Taylor and Neiman Marcus.
Major retailers that closed since the pandemic began include Century 21, Lord & Taylor, and Fry's Electronics.
The United States has had multiple closures attributed to the pandemic and the ensuing recession. As of August 3, 2020, 43 retailers based in the USA have filed for bankruptcy according to CNBC.[9]
The USA's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidance for businesses and employers on COVID-19 prevention and management measures in the workplace.[136] Engineering controls such as altered workspaces to allow physical distancing, plexiglass barriers, and improved ventilation were recommended. Administration controls such as training, symptom screening, routine cleaning, avoiding shared equipment and office space, staggered shifts, and flexible sick leave policies were strategies to keep employees safe and healthy. Personal protective equipment such as face coverings or gloves were deemed necessary depending on the job tasks.[137]
Efforts to encourage social distancing to reduce airborne transmission affected spatial design principles used by retailers.[138][139]
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