Apple to Reopen 25 Stores in the U.S.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Apple is reopening its stores in the United States that were temporarily shut down due to the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), CNBC reported on the 27th (local time).

According to the report, Apple announced in an official statement the previous day that it plans to reopen 25 stores in the U.S. this week. It also added that stores in Canada, Italy, and other countries will resume operations. With this, more than 100 of the 510 Apple Stores worldwide are scheduled to reopen.

Deirdre O'Brien, Apple's Senior Vice President of Retail, stated in the announcement, "We will operate cautiously in areas severely affected by COVID-19," and added, "Stores scheduled to reopen will do so only after thorough preparations to prevent the spread of COVID-19."

O'Brien also said, "In accordance with federal government guidelines, masks will be provided to all employees and customers inside the stores, and health screenings will be conducted for employees." Apple also announced plans to add a 'Pick and Drop' service for store employees and customers who prefer not to make face-to-face payments.

Earlier, Apple had shut down all 42 stores in China in February but reopened them in mid-March. Most stores worldwide, except those in China, were closed starting in March, and in South Korea, operations resumed from the 17th of last month.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.