Retailers Continue to Give Back During the COVID-19 Crisis

Total Retail is continuing its daily coverage of how the retail sector is responding to the COVID-19 crisis. As retailers try to figure out how to navigate these uncertain times, it's beneficial to look at the ways others in our community are responding. Below are examples of how retailers are reacting during this time, including giving back to those in need, as well as some resources Total Retail thinks you'll find helpful.

• eBay launched an accelerator program designed to help retailers and brands without an e-commerce presence transition to selling online. Through this program, called Up & Running, eBay pledged up to $100 million in support for small businesses across North America and waived selling fees.
• Salesfloor has a Virtual Associates program which offers a better, more profitable alternative for retailers to keep employees on staff, rather than lay them off. Through the program, associates continue to work for the retailer as independent consultants in a commission-based model. The retailer doesn’t incur wage costs, and associates have a way to keep earning money. Salesfloor is currently waiving the annual licence fee for the program in order to help the retail community during COVID-19.
• Rugged work apparel retailer Carhartt is joining the effort to supply personal protective equipment, such as gowns and masks, to first-line responders during the COVID-19 crisis. Medical gown production will begin on April 6, and Carhartt anticipates mask production will start on April 20.
• Twenty-seven brands have joined together to create the Brands x Better coalition for COVID-19 relief, using proceeds to help nonprofits and charities in need. All coalition members have pledged to donate 10 percent of their proceeds to charities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Electronic accessories company PopSockets created two new designs to respond to COVID-19. The PopSockets are $15 each, and 100 percent of profits from one design will go to Doctors Without Borders, and 100 percent of profits from the other design will go to Feeding America.
• Kenneth Cole is donating 20 percent of net sales from its website to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund in support of those severely affected by the coronavirus. The fund was launched by the World Health Organization, and donations will be used to ensure patients can access the healthcare they need and that front-line workers can get supplies, as well as support efforts in tracking and understanding the spread of COVID-19 and accelerating the development of vaccines, tests and treatments.