Macy’s will reportedly extend furloughing most of its employees

Macy’s Inc. has announced it will have to continue furloughing a majority of its employees through May due to continued sales decline in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

On March 17, the company joined industry hotel and food leaders by closing its doors to slow down the spread of coronavirus. The company had already been facing several store closures and slowing sales prior to the health pandemic. On Monday, company executives told the staff of nearly 130,000 employees most would continue to be furloughed at least through May, according to the Wall Street Journal. However, those who qualify for health benefits, would still receive that coverage as the company deals with the economic implications of the COVID-19 crisis.

The company will continue to keep its online sales open to the public for its stores, including Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Bluemercury, Macy's Backstage, Bloomingdales the Outlet and Market by Macy's stores.
"The health and safety of our customers, colleagues and communities is our utmost priority. As a result of the recent COVID-19 developments, we have decided to temporarily close our stores. We will work with government and health officials to assess when we will reopen our stores and safely bring our colleagues back to work," Jeff Gennette, chairman and chief executive officer of Macy's, Inc., said in a statement earlier this month. "During this closure, we will continue to serve our customers through our e-commerce sites."