Parent company of Coach reopening stores by market

Tapestry Inc. has started to reopen stores in North America, Europe and in additional markets in Asia as government regulations on movement ease. 

The retailer on Thursday said it expects, by the end of the week, to have more than 300 Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman stores in North America offering curbside or store pickup service. 

In addition, approximately 20 stores in Europe, 35 stores across Japan, 35 stores in Malaysia and nearly 30 stores in Australia will be open to customers, while adhering to social distancing and density practices and on modified operating hours. 

"The approach to store operations is tailored by market, with stores offering a combination of in-store shopping, curbside and storefront pickup, with varying hours, as conditions allow," Tapestry stated. “This phased reopening approach builds upon successful strategies developed in China and South Korea, where all stores have reopened, demand continues to improve and select markets have begun to return to growth.”

Tapestry said it has made significant enhancements to the store environment and operating procedures. These measures include:

•    Training associates on new health and safety protocols, including the use of masks and gloves, where required and as appropriate;

•    Providing additional cleaning and sanitation measures in the store and in fitting rooms;

•    Practicing proper social distancing within stores, with signage that highlights requirements and enforcing low customer densities;

•    Providing contact-free customer service and payment options to customers including curbside and store front pickup;

•    Offering sanitizers and wipes at cash wraps and

•    Requiring temperature and wellness checks for all store employees upon arrival.

“Throughout this crisis, we have prioritized the health and wellbeing of our employees, their families and communities,” said Jide Zeitlin, chairman and CEO of Tapestry.  At the same time, we have heightened our focus on our customers. While this has primarily been through our digital channels, we are now pleased to welcome them back to many of our stores.”

Tapestry’s offices in China and South Korea have fully reopened. The company is following guidance from local authorities to establish return to work protocols for corporate employees across other regions, where remote working procedures were put in place at the onset of the pandemic. Based upon current recommendations, the Hudson Yards global headquarters is expected to remain closed until at least mid-June in accordance with guidelines from state and city of New York, with the majority of employees not expected to return until September.