Best Buy released a statement Wednesday announcing the furlough of approximately 51,000 hourly employees at American retail locations.
The coronavirus pandemic has hit retail workers heavily, with chains from Macy’s to Hobby Lobby sending thousands of employees on temporary leave while stores remain shuttered.
»MORE: Macy's, Kohl's, Gap to furlough majority of their workers
Best Buy also expects to furlough nearly a quarter of its full-time hourly workers such as Geek Squad agents.
The furlough is set to begin Sunday, April 19. The company will offer all furloughed employees three months of health benefits at no cost.
"The situation remains very fluid and there is still a great deal of uncertainty, particularly as it relates to depth and duration of store closures and consumer confidence over time. We are taking the steps necessary to resume providing our customers in-home services in the near future, keeping in mind our overriding priority on the safety of our employees and customers," said Best Buy CEO Corie Barry.
CEO Barry will forfeit 50% of her base salary through at least August, according to a company press release.
Best Buy switched to a curbside service model in March after closing the in-store customer care at 1200 retail stores, according to USA Today,
»UPDATE: Here is a list of retail chains that have closed stores or altered hours in April
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