Department store Myer is the latest retailer to close due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Myer officially shut the doors to its 60 stores on Sunday, with 10,000 staff members across the group’s store network and support staff stood down without pay.
Full time and part time members will be given access to their annual leave and long service leave entitlements.
In a statement published to the Australian Stock Exchange on Friday night, Myer said it will remain closed for an initial period of four weeks, until April 27.
“The health and wellbeing of customers, team members, their families and the broader communities in which we operate remains Myer’s absolute priority,” the statement said.
“We are, therefore, fully supportive of the various measures undertaken by both governments, and their respective agencies, to prevent the spread of Covid-19 through social isolation and distancing measures, including staying at home, wherever possible.”
Fellow retail giant David Jones remains open for now.
Myer’s online business remains operational with consumers qualifying for free delivery with a $49 spend.
Myer chief executive John King said the outcome was “one of the toughest decisions this company has faced in its 120 years of operation”.