In mid-March, Apple decided to close all of its stores outside of China “until further notice.” It was a necessary move due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19 . In a statement released today titled, “To Our Customers,” Apple senior vice president Deirdre O’Brien provided some insight into the company’s plans for gradually reopening its stores.
About 100 stores have already started offering services , according to O'Brien. However, retail stores will now be different, due to coronavirus. The spaces will not be crowded. Employees and customers will have more "their own space," and service at the Genius Bar and throughout the store will be more personalized.
An Apple spokesperson added: “Next week, we will continue our gradual and cautious reopening of U.S., adding more than 25 stores in seven states. While we know many customers are waiting for local stores to reopen, our commitment is to reopen our stores when we are confident the environment is safe. We miss customers and look forward to seeing them again soon.”
The company says face masks will be required for both employees and customers. In addition, temperature checks will be conducted at the entrance of the stores , along with some questions about health status . Apple has also proceeded to clean all surfaces of the stores and products.
This last point is important, as both employees and customers are constantly touching products and screens.
As for the different locations, Apple says it is monitoring guidelines health and when stores are allowed to reopen. However, there are concerns about an increase in cases in many areas. If that happens, O'Brien says the company will close stores again if necessary. "The decisions we make are not rushed," she writes, while emphasizing that the reopening of stores is not permanent. If conditions warrant it, stores will close again.
