Apple Temporarily Shuts Stores Outside Greater China Amid Coronavirus Concerns
Tech giant Apple has announced a temporary closure of all its retail stores outside Greater China, in a bold move to help contain the spread of the coronavirus. The closures will remain in place until 27 March.
The decision, revealed late on Friday, marks one of the most significant global retail shutdowns by a major technology company. It reflects Apple’s growing concern for staff safety and public health during the outbreak.
“We will be closing all of our retail stores outside of Greater China until March 27,” Apple CEO Tim Cook wrote in a letter posted on the company’s website.
The statement came as countries worldwide tighten restrictions on public gatherings, travel, and business operations. Apple’s stores in Greater China had only recently reopened after weeks of closures earlier in the year due to the initial outbreak in Wuhan.
“In all of our offices, we are moving to flexible work arrangements worldwide outside of Greater China,” Cook added. “That means team members should work remotely if their job allows.”
The company’s online store will remain open, ensuring customers can still access Apple’s products. Meanwhile, technical support and service teams will continue to operate remotely.
This step follows a trend among global corporations, many of which are shifting to remote work and suspending in-person services. Experts say such measures are crucial in slowing transmission rates.
Apple’s move may hit its retail sales in the short term, but analysts believe it will strengthen the brand’s image as a company prioritising people over profit.
With the coronavirus crisis escalating in Europe and the US, it’s clear that even industry leaders are not immune to its far-reaching effects. For now, Apple users outside Greater China will need to turn to the web for their next purchase.
Apple has also been making major financial commitments in other markets, including a massive US investment earlier this year.
