Apple Says Retail Stores Now Closed 'Until Further Notice'

Apple retail stores will be closed until further notice, according to a new banner posted on Apple's website (via 9to5Mac).

apple store closures indefinite banner website
Apple on Friday shut down all of its retail stores outside of greater China for a two week period in an effort to cut down on the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in the United States and other countries.

Following the store closures, Apple published a FAQ on its website answering key questions customers might have about repairs and returns. As of writing, the FAQ still says that Apple stores will be closed outside of Greater China through March 27, suggesting Apple has yet to update the page to reflect the change.

Notably, the banner currently only appears on Apple's U.S. website, so whether or not the indefinite closures apply to all retail stores outside of China is unclear.

As part of its measures to limit the spread of coronavirus, the U.S. administration on Monday advised the public to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, so it's possible that Apple's decision to close stores "until further notice" is a response to that guidance.

Apple plans to continue to pay its hourly workers during the store closures and has expanded leave policies to accommodate personal or family health circumstances created by COVID-19, including recovering from an illness, caring for a sick loved one, mandatory quarantining, or childcare challenges.

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Top Rated Comments

mdnz Avatar
57 months ago

Ok we get it media. Everything’s now closed. Imagine the pent up demand explosion for “stuff” in a month or two when this fear nonsense is gone. People will be “relief buying” everything especially apple products. Apple products are what you need most during those wonderful social distancing times
We feel very sorry for you your AAPL stock is down but there are people in actual lockdown and need to look after their elderly as well. It's very understandable they're nervous.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AppleBonker Avatar
57 months ago
Why because the media told u this?? What about the other dozens of other viruses that we have dealt with in just the past decade alone? This fear is causing more damage than any virus could
No, because literally every health professional is saying this. Or are they also actors part of the ‘big conspiracy’? This virus is not like the others you mention in terms of how contagious it is.

You’re not special, you’re not woke, you’re not enlightened, you’re not an expert on medicine or human behavior. You’re a conspiracy theorist behind a keyboard with internet access. I think I know who we should choose to listen to.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Spungoflex Avatar
57 months ago
Crazy times.

If somebody told you in January that in 2 months the Dow would be down to 20,000, every Apple store would be closed indefinitely, just about every western nation would have their borders closed, and people would be hoarding toilet paper, you likely wouldn’t have believed them.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Joniz Avatar
57 months ago

Lol! Darkest hour? Why because some stores are closed and some people have a cold? Darkest hour....tell that to a mother who lost her child to cancer...yes the millions who die from cancer not some minor flu virus. What media created complete and utter yes utter nonsense this all is.
Maybe because cancer is not contagious.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
639051 Avatar
57 months ago

Lol! Darkest hour? Why because some stores are closed and some people have a cold? Darkest hour....tell that to a mother who lost her child to cancer...yes the millions who die from cancer not some minor flu virus. What media created complete and utter yes utter nonsense this all is.
You really think governments and businesses would shut down for nothing? You don’t think this is a very calculated move based on data?

If so I have a bridge to sell you.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Stephen.R Avatar
57 months ago

It's an unnecessary business model.
I know this may come as a shock to you mate, but some people do things differently to you.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)