Apple will close all offices and stores in China under the influence of the new Coronavirus. This means that it took stronger action after it closed Qingdao store. Apple, which has high sales in China, appears to be hit by the virus outbreak.
Apple said it would close all offices, stores and customer centers in mainland China by Feb. 3. Under the influence of the new Coronavirus, according to Bloomberg. Apple operates more than 40 stores in China, and employs about 10,000 people directly. During this period, only online Apple stores will be operating in China.
As of Thursday, there are 17,205 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in China and 361 died. According to China’s National Hygiene Health Commission.
The Chinese government extended the Lunar New Year holiday to Feb. 2 in a bid to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. On top of that, each local government is extending corporate holidays for more than a week. In response to the opinion of health experts, Apple decided to close all of its offices and stores in line with the move.
In fact, if you select the “Find a store” menu on Apple’s website, you will find notification that the store will be temporarily closed until Feb. 9. Depending on recent public health and prevention considerations.
It is unclear whether Apple stopped operating its manufacturing plants in China.. Foxconn said the plant will be in operation during the Spring Festival and there will be no disruptions to production.
After Apple, Samsung is also closing down stores in light of the coronavirus
According to Samsung Electronics on the 3rd, it has decided to temporarily close its flagship store located in Shanghai until the 9th.
The store is a mega flagship store that Samsung Electronics opened in October last year. It displays smartphones, smartwatches and tablet PCs. Located across from the Apple Store in Nanjing Dongru, it is in Shanghai’s largest busy street.
The rest of Samsung Electronics’ stores in China will decide whether to operate them or not based on the judgment of each store owner. The only one directly operated by Samsung Electronics is the flagship store in Shanghai.
