Myer temporarily closed all stores at close of business on Sunday for an initial period of four weeks until 27 April 2020. Approximately 10,000 team members across the store network and support office have been stood down.
“As team members will not be working, they will not be paid during this period of imposed closure. Full time and part time members will have greater flexibility to access annual leave and long service entitlements, in addition to government assistance measures,” the company said in a statement.
“In addition to free counselling and support, we will look at further ways to support their health and wellbeing during this time.”
A small group of business-critical roles will be maintained to undertake essential work during the period and to support our online businesses. These roles will operate on an equivalent of 80% of their normal salaries and contracted hours.
The Myer board, CEO and managing director, John King, along with all executive team members, have opted not to receive any remuneration during this period, but will continue to work in their respective roles.
Myer will continue to operate online, while ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for those team members. Myer has reduced the threshold for free delivery to $49 per order and has relaxed its returns policy.
Myer CEO, John King said the decision to temporarily close all Myer stores and stand down so many loyal and dedicated team members is one of the toughest decisions the company has faced in its 120 years of operation.
“Our focus must remain on operating our business in a manner that protects the health and wellbeing of customers and team members, whilst supporting the government and the communities in which we operate in limiting the spread of COVID-19. We will focus on ensuring we offer the best possible online experience for our customers, whilst being ready to restart the business in four weeks.”
David Jones closes small format stores only
David Jones has closed two of its small format stores – Barangaroo (NSW) and Brisbane (QLD) – due to the government’s social distancing regulations. As a result of the closures, approximately 5,000 staff will be stood down. The remainder of David Jones store network remains operational.