US retail holding company Transform Holdco (Transformco) said that it will temporarily shutter all its Sears stores till at least 30 April 2020 owing to the prevailing coronavirus pandemic.

According to the retailing company,  Sears.com, its distribution centers, and customer care will remain open though to fulfill online orders and for answering customer inquiries.

Also, Sears Home Services will continue to repair essential appliances, said Transformco.

Kmart stores and Kmart Pharmacy locations, on the other hand, will stay open to provide essential products and services except where they are required to close either by law or government order.

Transformco stated: “Our top priority is the health and safety of our associates, members and the communities we serve. We remain committed to helping slow the spread of the virus, while also meeting the needs of our members. However, COVID-19 is having a serious impact on the entire retail industry, including our company.  Therefore, to ensure the future viability of the company, we have made the decision to temporarily close all Sears stores.

“We believe that taking these temporary steps now will position Sears to continue to serve our members and customers when the COVID-19 crisis passes. We continue to serve our members at Sears.com and through our mobile app and hope they and their loved ones remain safe and healthy.”

The retailing company also decided to temporarily grant leave of absence to most of the Sears store hourly, salaried associates and the majority of its associates in Hoffman Estates and other corporate locations across the US.

Transformco said that it will cover all the premium costs till 30 April for all furloughed associates enrolled currently in its benefits programs during this period. Many affected associates are also eligible to get state unemployment benefits, which were increased recently with the passage of the federal stimulus bill, said the retailing company.

Transformco said that for members whose Shop Your Way points expired in March, will see them reinstated and extended till the end of April.

  Coronavirus, COVID-19, Sears, Transform Holdco, USA