Myer extends store shutdowns as coronavirus restrictions persist

Myer department stores will stay shut until at least May 11, as thousands of stood-down staff await COVID-19 restrictions to ease.

Myer has extended its store shutdown.

Myer, the nation’s biggest department store chain, will keep its stores closed until at least May 11 because of the coronavirus pandemic, leaving many of its 10,000 staff in limbo as the retail sector waits out the health crisis.

Myer closed its stores late last month for an initial period of four weeks, setting a provisional reopening date of April 27.

However as government-ordered coronavirus restrictions remain in place, retailers are having to extend their closure periods.

Solomon Lew’s Premier Investments on Tuesday announced it would extend the closures of fashion outlets such as Portmans, Dotti, Smiggle and Just Jeans until at least May 11.

Myer said on Wednesday it will closely monitor government measures and advice over the coming weeks, with a view to reopening stores as soon as possible.

“The reopening of stores may occur on a staged basis, taking account of applicable conditions and government measures across different states and localities,’’ the retailer said.

Myer will continue to operate its online business, while ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for online staff.

The department store owner said its online business, which is available to customers 24/7, had performed strongly since the physical stores were closed on March 29.

Online orders are being processed at 26 locations across Myer’s store and distribution centre network, using around 2000 of the retailer’s staff.

“Pleasingly, this has resulted in approximately 20 per cent of team members being asked to return to work to support online fulfilment,” it said.

“Myer is continuing to take all necessary measures to minimise costs, including engaging in ongoing discussions with suppliers and landlords.”

Myer chief executive John King said the decision to extend the closure period was extremely tough, but was “reflective of our continuing focus on operating the business in a manner that protects the health and wellbeing of customers and team members, whilst supporting the government efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 through stay at home directions and other social distancing measures”.

“Our plans for reopening our physical stores are well advanced and we look forward to welcoming customers back into stores, when it is safe to do so.”

Mr King said the majority of staff would remain stood down as the closure was extended. Full time and part time workers would have greater flexibility to access their annual leave and long service entitlements.

Myer said it has also applied to participate in the government’s JobKeeper payment subsidy scheme.