ASB MAGAZINE: On Monday, March 16, Patagonia decided to adjust the opening hours of their Australian stores and have a proportion of office staff move to a work-from-home system to minimise congregation. Due to the dynamic situation, the company has now decided to temporarily close all stores in Australia, effective until March 27. Patagonia says they have taken this step out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of retail team members, their families and the community broadly, after initially planning for reduced trading hours.
Patagonia online store will remain open at this time, and the company is working closely with this team to ensure their safety while they provide service and fulfil orders. All customer support line and office staff will continue to provide service remotely.
“As the situation changes, we will continue to make decisions based on the best interests of our employees, customers and community at large,” Patagonia said in a statement. “We thank you all for your business, loyalty and patience.”
The most recent decision by Patagonia Australia & New Zealand follows the company’s operations in the US, where Patagonia Inc took some additional measures to protect employees and customers.
Patagonia employees who can work from home will be doing so, with all staff receiving their regular pay during this closure.
“We encourage our friends everywhere to take the extra precautions necessary to safeguard their health and that of others. It’s everyone’s responsibility to help stop the spread of this virus. The Australian Government Health Department’s website , The NZ Ministry of health’s website and your local health authorities are the best resources for updates and answers to questions,” Patagonia said in a statement.
Commenting on Patagonia’s response, CEO and President Rose Marcario observed “Over the years, as our Patagonia community has been faced with challenges, I have always been inspired by how we emerge stronger and with an even deeper sense of purpose. We will persevere through this challenge, too,” said Rose Marcario.
Source: Patagonia.
