APD | Apple closes all outlets outside mainland China

By APD writer Alice

The US tech giant Apple has shut down all of its retail stores worldwide, exept those in mainland China until March 27 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In a letter posted on the firm’s website on March 13, CEO Tim Cook wrote “We will be closing all of our retail stores outside of Greater China until March 27. We are committed to providing exceptional service to our customers.

“In all of our offices, we are moving to flexible work arrangements worldwide outside of Greater China. That means team members should work remotely if their job allows, and those whose work requires them to be on site should follow guidance to maximize interpersonal space.”

He also expressed his deep gratitude to Apple’s family in China for their determination and spirit amid the outbreak.

Apple reopened all of its 42 stores in China on March 13.

China is a critical market for Apple. The iPhone-maker warned that it would not meet the already wider-than-usual revenue guidance it gave for the first quarter of $63 billion to $67 billion.

In the letter, Tim Cook also revealed that Apple’s committed donations to the global COVID-19 response — both to help treat those who are sick and to help lessen the economic and community impacts of the pandemic — reached $15 million worldwide.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)