The Container Store moves stores to omnichannel model

The Container Store (TCS) is minimizing brick-and-mortar shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an effort to prevent spread of COVID-19, TCS is closing all remaining stores that were not already closed in accordance with state and local orders. The company is shifting to click-and-pick-up/contactless curbside delivery and scheduled in-store appointments (only allowing one customer in the store at a time) in select locations, only where it is legally permitted and store employees wish to work. 

Customers arriving to pick up their orders who desire to purchase additional products will be able to do so without entering into the store. All precautionary health and sanitization measures, including frequent hand washing and cleaning, employees wearing masks and gloves, and social distancing are in effect in these locations. Customers can also still order online at the TCS e-commerce site and have products shipped directly to their homes.

“As the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, we are adjusting and making careful, thoughtful and compassionate decisions,” said Melissa Reiff, CEO, The Container Store Group Inc. “The health and safety of our employees and customers remains our number one priority and we have made the decision to close our entire store base, offering pick-up, curbside delivery and in-store appointments for only one customer at a time, in select locations where employees are willing and we are able to do so.”

As a result of its chainwide store closures, TCS has had to furlough corporate and store employees. TCS has also reduced the base salaries of its executive officers and temporarily deferred the senior management team’s performance-based cash bonuses.