Apple is planning to reopen “many more” retail stores in the US in May.
According to a report in Bloomberg, Apple’s vice president of retail and people Deidre O’Brien told employees in a leaked memo that the company wanted to reopen as many retail stores as safely possible over the next month, to drive sales and reduce further losses.
The executive shared the news in a weekly video memo, telling staff that Apple was “continuing to analyze this health situation in every location” and that she expected to “reopen up many more stores in May”.
O’Brien did not confirm which stores would be reopened first, but it is assumed that Apple wants to reopen its roster of outlets in the United States before it tackles European markets.
Last month, O’Brien said that Apple wanted to begin reopening stores in the first half of April, and although an Apple Store in South Korea reopened for repairs and pickups, no other stores have opened, suggesting Apple did not understand the true extent of the pandemic.
Apple will carefully consider the safety of both staff and customers when reopening stores taking into account recommendations from local governments and current COVID-19 cases.
In some states, officials have begun relaxing some of the restrictions and guidelines, which means businesses have been able to reopen, albeit at a reduced or altered service level.
The Cupertino company closed all stores outside of China on March 14, and consumers have had to purchase goods online.
Those who had Apple products in for repair will have to wait until stores reopen before they can claim them, though Apple has reportedly considered compensating those who have been without a laptop in the form of a credit note or voucher.
Are you looking forward to getting back inside of an Apple Store? Did you have a product in for repair? Let us know your story on social media and check back soon for more news.
