Tapestry begins global store reopenings, announces more contributions to Covid-19 relief

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
May 15, 2020

Tapestry Inc., owner of Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman, has commenced its store reopening plan throughout North America, Europe and additional markets, and has announced new Covid-19 relief efforts. 

On Thursday, the company said it would take a phased market-by-market approach to reopening, after about 90% of its stores were either closed or operating on shortened hours during its third quarter. 

The company plans to have over 300 Coach, Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman stores in North America offering curbside pickup service by the end of this week, and also plans to open approximately 20 stores in Europe, 35 stores across Japan, 35 stores in Malaysia and nearly 30 stores in Australia.

In order to promote a safe shopping environment, Tapestry said it will implement several health safety measures. The company will train associates on new health and safety protocols, including the use of masks and gloves; boost its cleaning and sanitation practices; enforce social distancing in-store; provide contact-free customer service and payment options; offer sanitizers and wipes at cash wraps' and require temperature and wellness checks for all store employees upon arrival. 

Tapestry’s offices in China and South Korea have fully reopened, and the company's global e-commerce has remained operational.

As store reopenings commence, the company has also increased its pandemic support efforts. To date, Tapestry has committed $9 million in financial support and product donations to Covid-19 relief efforts globally. Adding to this, the company has announced that the Coach Foundation, which has already committed $2 million to support New York City small businesses, will now commit an additional $1 million, focused on minority and women-owned businesses.

The foundation will also devote $300,000 to a non-profit that supports low-income families in the Bronx, who have lost their primary earner due to Covid-19.

In addition, Kate Spade has partnered with its 'on purpose' supplier - the brand's social enterprise initiative - in Masoro, Rwanda to donate 24,000 masks to the community of Masoro. Kate Spade will also donate 5,000 backpacks to medical and essential workers in the United States. Last month, Kate Spade also partnered with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's office and the global non-profit Crisis Text Line to bring #forthefrontlines, or free 24/7 emotional support, to New York based frontline workers in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.