Lululemon, LUSH among retailers in Okanagan and Kamloops closing for COVID-19 concern

A number of retailers with shops in the Okanagan and Kamloops are shutting their doors this week with concerns of COVID-19 becoming a priority.

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To our dearest Lushies,? ? Given what we know today, we believe it’s our duty as an ethical business to do what we can to slow the spread of this virus and minimize the impact on our hardworking healthcare professionals. As such, we have decided to temporarily close all 258 Lush retail stores across Canada and the US from March 16 – 29. We are working through how we can best support our employees through these changes, ensuring regular pay for all staff during this period. ? ? These are trying times for all, and we thank you for your continued support. Please know that you can still find us on social, email, and our website, trying to brighten your day any way that we can.? ? For more information, please head to our link in bio.? ? – Your Lush Team

A post shared by Lush Cosmetics North America (@lushcosmetics) on

Mar 15, 2020 at 11:30am PDT

"During this extraordinary time, there is nothing more important than giving our community the space to be with their friends, family and loved ones," reads a statement posted to Lululemon's social media pages.

"In light of the rapidly changing status of COVID-19, Lululemon has made the decision to close all stores in North America and Europe beginning March 16 through March 27."

Lululemon employees will continue to receive payment for all hours they have been scheduled to work and have access to Lulemon's Global Pay Relief plan.

LUSH has also opted to close for the immediate future.

“Given what we know today, we believe it’s our duty as an ethical business to do what we can to slow the spread of this virus and minimize the impact on our hardworking healthcare professionals,” reads a statement on the LUSH Instagram.

READ MORE: Cancellations and closures for COVID-19

“As such, we have decided to temporarily close all 258 Lush retail stores across Canada and the US from March 16 to 29.”

Nike, Abercrombie and Fitch, Urban Outfitters, Free People, and Apple retailers have also posted the decision to close to their social media accounts.

Orchard Park Mall has scaled back its hours of operation. From Monday to Friday the mall is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MEC has made the decision to limit its hours of operation until further notice. As of Monday, March 16,  MEC stores will be open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. every day.

Your health and the safety of our people are everything to us, so we’ve made the decision to close our stores in North America and Europe March 16th through March 27th. Breathe easy knowing #thesweatlife is here for you online, wherever you are in the coming weeks. pic.twitter.com/ySRZ0FqOLg

— lululemon (@lululemon) March 15, 2020

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