On Thursday, April 2nd, Nike shut down their largest distribution center in the Memphis area after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. Opening in 2017, the 2.8 million square foot facility is Nike’s largest distribution center in the world and employs more than 3,200 workers. Nike confirms that after a comprehensive disinfection process, the facility will re-open on Sunday, April 6th. All employees will be continued to paid during this temporary closure.
On March 15th, Nike was one of the first companies to release an official statement in response to the rising COVID-19 crisis. On March 16th, they closed all their Nike retail stores, promising continued pay for their employees. The distribution centers remained open as the brand’s online commerce operations continued; masks, sanitizers, and gloves were readily available for employees who were urged to practice as much “social distancing” as possible.
Nike’s official statement (via mlk50):
“The health and safety of our team is always our first priority. We have temporarily closed one of our Memphis, TN, distribution facilities. During this period, we will be conducting a comprehensive disinfection process. We are targeting to reopen at 6 a.m. Sunday, April 5.”
In other COVID-19 related news, New Balance is planning to deliver 100,000 masks a week, while Vans has launched the “Foot The Bill” program aimed to assist independent retailers.
Photo: haskell