In yet another effort to being employment-friendly, US outdoor clothing and gear brand Patagonia has announced the closure of its stores, offices and warehouses in the US and Canada all through this week – from Christmas to New Year.
While the intent is to give all its employees the much-needed break, what makes the move notable is that employees will, reportedly, get paid time off during the period.
The brand has also said that while the website will continue to be operational, shipments will be delayed till after the holiday week.
Though it is not certain how many dollars Patagonia is giving up by shutting down its stores, offices and warehouses, it generated about 60 per cent more sales in a December week in 2020 than during a typical week in the other 11 months.
Notably, for clothing stores, it was even higher at 85 per cent and more.
At a time, when the employees are struggling on social and economic level, the move yet again justifies Patagonia’s vision that it doesn’t just talk good about people and planet; it always walks the talk.
Founded in 1973, Patagonia has hundreds of stores in 10+ countries across five continents, besides having factories in 16 countries. The US apparel retailer was also recognised in 2017 for its innovative family/maternity leave policies.
