Should Nonessential Retail Close Due to Coronavirus?

A number of retailers have chosen to close due to coronavirus. Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Nike (NYSE: NKE) have all voluntarily decided to close their stores, as have a handful of others including big retailers like Macy's and Gap which sell things most of their nonessential goods online.

In some parts of the country, non-essential retailers aren't getting a choice. They're closing because mayors or other political leaders have mandated that they do so.

For retailers that still have a choice as to what to do, the answer isn't as easy as it seems. Closing may benefit the overall public good but remaining open while adhering to strict protocols may be a way to keep chains from having to lay off employees.

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Source Fool.com