Microsoft has decided to shut down all its retail stores worldwide. The move comes after the US government’s recommendation of avoiding group gatherings with more than 10 people.
Microsoft does not have a ton of retail stores worldwide, but it’s believed to have more than 70 stores in the US, seven in Canada, and one each in England, Australia, and Puerto Rico (via GeekWire).
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Apple also shut down all its retail stores worldwide in a move to protect customers against the COVID-19 outbreak. Apple is believed to have more than 500 retail stores worldwide.
Microsoft announced the shutdown of its stores last evening after the company initially took measures to implement social distancing across all its stores:
For the safety of our customers and employees, we are closing all global Microsoft Store locations, effective immediately. For help, please visit https://t.co/tzwDaQSY0k. pic.twitter.com/KjMr8TQh3y
— Microsoft Store (@MicrosoftStore) March 17, 2020
“We are closing all Microsoft Store locations to help protect the health and safety of our customers and our employees. During this unprecedented time, the best way we can serve you is to do everything we can to help minimize the risk of the virus spreading. We will re-open as soon it is safe to do so,” said David Porter, the CVP of Microsoft Store in a LinkedIn post.Â
Porter reassured employees that Microsoft will continue to pay employees for their “scheduled hours”. Microsoft has done a really good job with its response to the COVID-19 outbreak, and that continues with the latest move to shut down its retail stores.