Coronavirus Impact: Gap Inc. furloughs store, corporate employees as retail closures extend

SAN FRANCISCO -- Gap Inc. announced Monday that the company is extending its store closures past the previously announced date of April 1 to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

As part of its decision, Gap Inc. will furlough the majority of its store employees in the U.S. and Canada, and also reduce members of its corporate offices across the world.

The company also stated that they are temporarily putting a halt on pay, but will "continue to offer applicable benefits until stores are able to reopen."

RELATED: Macy's to close 125 stores, launch new store format

Members of Gap's leadership team and the Board of Directors are also taking a temporary pay reduction.

"We know that tens of thousands of people rely on us to support themselves and their families, and that millions more around the world rely on our business. We are doing everything we can to provide support during this time, and we are intensely focused on welcoming back our store teams and customers as soon as we are able," said Sonia Syngal, President and CEO, Gap Inc.

The San Francisco based clothing company previously announced on March 17 a temporarily closure of all stores including Old Navy, Athleta, Banana Republic, Janie and Jack and Intermix stores across North America. All the brands will continue to be available for purchase through their websites.

Click here for help on employee resources.

Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here

RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:

• Live updates about coronavirus outbreak in US, around the world
• Everything you need to know about the Bay Area's shelter-in-place order
• Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
• Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area/
• Coronavirus and the new normal of living in the San Francisco-Bay Area -- COVID-19 Diaries
• Happy hour goes virtual as people try to be sociable while social distancing during COVID-19 crisis
• Coronavirus Outbreak: Here's why you should practice 'social distancing'
• DRONEVIEW7: What the Bay Area looks like during the coronavirus shelter-in-place
• ABC7's drive around San Francisco shows empty streets, businesses shuttered
• Symptoms, prevention, and how to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak in the US
• List of stores, companies closing due to coronavirus pandemic
• Canceled late fees, free services available amid COVID-19 crisis
• Here's how you can help during COVID-19 pandemic
• Coronavirus in CA: Get resources and information about COVID-19
• Bay Area school closures related to coronavirus pandemic
• How to maintain learning during school closures
• How coronavirus compares with the flu
• No masks but here are 100+ products that may help protect you against novel coronavirus germs
• Busting COVID-19 coronavirus myths: Facts from the Centers for Disease Control
• Here's a look at some of history's worst pandemics that have killed millions
• Asian community fighting racism, xenophobia, bigotry as world fights COVID-19