Nordstrom closing all stores to help prevent the spread of coronavirus

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the temporary closure of all Nordstrom stores across the United States and Canada.

The Seattle-based luxury retailer announced on Monday evening that all of its stores will close for two weeks beginning Tuesday, March 17.

There are 380 stores, including 116 full-scale department stores and 248 Nordstrom Rack outlet stores. Many of the retailer’s full-scale department stores also contain sit-down restaurants.

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“The health and safety of our customers and employees remain our top priority as we continue to make decisions during this rapidly evolving situation,” said Erik Nordstrom, CEO of Nordstrom, in a statement.

“We’re taking decisive actions across the business to help protect employees, customers, and others in the communities we serve.”

During the two-week closure, Nordstrom will provide pay and benefits for all store employees. The company says its “solid financial position and healthy balance sheet” provides it with the “ability to weather this challenging moment in time.”

The closure comes at a time when the number of COVID-19 cases within the retailer’s hometown in Washington State is escalating.