Apple Set to Reopen About 100 More Stores in the United States

May 27, 2020 Topic: Economics Region: Americas Blog Brand: Techland Tags: AppleApple StoresIPhoneReopen AmericaCOVID-19Coronavirus

Apple Set to Reopen About 100 More Stores in the United States

Little by little, companies are trying to return to some semblance of normal.

 

Apple is planning to reopen approximately 100 stores in the United States this week.

That will put Apple’s active U.S.-based retail locations at about 130 out of 271, spread out across 21 states. The company operates 510 stores around the world

 

Apple said that it will reopen each location in phases, which will mean some stores will support only curbside pickups, while other stores will be available for walk-in customers.

The U.S. stores that have already reopened have chiefly focused on Apple’s Genius Bar, which helps customers get connected to service and support for broken iPhones and other Apple products.

“This week we’ll return to serving customers in many U.S. locations. For customer safety and convenience, most stores will offer curbside or storefront service only, where we provide online order pickup and Genius Bar appointments,” Apple said in a statement.

“Others will be open for walk-in customers and we encourage everyone to check their local store webpage for more information about hours at their preferred location. Customers can also visit apple.com for support by phone or chat. We are committed to reopening our stores in a very thoughtful manner with the health and safety of our customers and teams as our top priority, and we look forward to seeing our customers again soon.”

Deidre O’Brien, Apple’s head of retail, wrote an open letter earlier this month detailing the company’s safety measures and reopening strategies for its stores.

“In every store, we’re focused on limiting occupancy and giving everybody lots of room, and renewing our focus on one‑on‑one, personalized service at the Genius Bar and throughout the store,” she said in the letter.

“Face coverings will be required for all of our teams and customers, and we will provide them to customers who don’t bring their own. Temperature checks will be conducted at the door, and posted health questions will screen for those with symptoms—like cough or fever—or who have had recent exposure to someone infected with COVID‑19.”

O’Brien also noted that staff will perform regular “enhanced deep cleanings,” and that the company will screen employees for coronavirus symptoms.

The stores reopening this week are in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Ethen Kim Lieser is a Science and Tech Editor who has held posts at Google, The Korea Herald, Lincoln Journal Star, AsianWeek and Arirang TV. He currently resides in Minneapolis.

Image: Reuters