After staying open and more or less defying coronavirus-related state lock down orders, where they had quietly reopened stores in several states, in defiance of state mandated lock downs that called for the closure of nonessential businesses, Hobby Lobby is closing all of its stores nationwide and furloughing employees. A furlough is when a company lays off an employee.
In a statement posted on the company website on Friday afternoon, Hobby Lobby announced it would furlough nearly all store employees and is ending emergency leave pay and suspending use of company provided paid time off benefits and vacation.
The post on the website read as follows:
“As the country continues to manage and mitigate the devastating health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 virus, Hobby Lobby will, after careful consideration, close the remainder of its stores and furlough nearly all store employees and a large portion of corporate and distribution employees, effective Friday, April 3rd, at 8:00 p.m. The store will remain closed until further notice.”
The announcement came following controversy for Hobby Lobby after the craft store chain refused to close its stores and join nearly 100 major retailers that have temporarily closed to prevent the coronavirus.
According to employees speaking on the condition of anonymity, that during a store meeting that was held with employees at each store, were told the furloughs would affect all workers below management level and was expected to run through at least May 1.
For additional information visit our friends at Business Insider.
Really sad to see the company be bullied like this. Comply or else.
I was very disappointed to see them forced to close. They sell fabric and sewing accessories that can be used to make medical masks, and for people that make their own clothing. Also with so many people stuck at home, their crafts supplies are a great way for families to enjoy time together. Why not allow a limited number of customers in like they’re doing at Lowe’s, Best Buy, and others while providing the standard safety announcements. It’s working well other places, there’s no reason it wouldn’t work out well there too while benefiting many in the community. Secondly, if… Read more »