As COVID-19 lockdown orders ease up throughout the U.S., heritage denim brand Levi’s is one of many preparing strategies for reopening.
This week, the brand will reopen select retail stores in the U.S. according to public health guidelines and implement hygienic measures such as regular deep cleanings and sneeze guards at checkout. It will also provide face coverings and gloves, as well as symptom screenings for all store employees prior to returning to work.
Employee benefits are also getting some updates, as Levi’s is extending paid sick leave to all U.S. part-time hourly retail employees, and will continue doing so beyond the pandemic.
“We hope other companies join us in extending paid sick leave to more workers—it’s the right thing to do for employees and it’s the smart thing to do for businesses,” the brand wrote in a statement on its corporate blog, adding that this will eliminate employees’ forced to “choose between taking care of their health and a paycheck.”
Previously, Levi’s stores throughout the U.S. and Canada were closed down ahead of government mandates. It originally expected stores to remain closed through March 27, but adjusted the schedule as new developments emerged.
Upon reopening, shoppers can expect limited store capacities and a new process for items that have come in contact with others: any clothing items that were either returned or tried on in a dressing room will be quarantined before being made available again.
For those who still prefer not to visit the store, curbside pickup will be available at nearly 100 Levi’s locations. The company will also continue enhancing its digital offerings, including the 5:01 Live virtual concert series on Instagram.
Other retailers such as American Eagle have already begun opening U.S. locations. As of May 1, AEO Inc. re-opened 45 stores and will continue to reopen with respect to state requirements. Gap Inc. prepares to reopen up to 800 of its Old Navy, Athleta, Gap, Banana Republic, Janie and Jack, and Intermix stores this month, starting with a small selection of locations in Texas this weekend,
