COVID-19 Store Update: J.C. Penney, Gap Inc., Genesco shutter

More retailers are joining the growing list of companies that are temporarily closing their stores to help stop the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. (The nation’s largest mall operator, Simon, is also going dark.)

J.C. Penney closed its stores as of March 18, 7 p.m. local time. The stores and business offices are scheduled to reopen April 2. The company said will continue to monitor the situation and follow guidance from the CDC and local, state, and federal health officials and will reassess or adjust its policies accordingly as the situation unfolds.

Gap Inc. has close its Old Navy, Athleta, Banana Republic, Gap, Janie and Jack and Intermix stores across North America, for two weeks, effective March 19.

The company said it will provide impacted store employees with pay continuity and benefits during this two-week period. 

Genesco Inc., whose brands include Journeys, Johnston & Murphy, Journeys Kidz, Shuh and Shuh Kids and Little Burgundy, has closed its North American stores through March 28, when the company will evaluate the timing of reopening.