Live data from Hacker News

Macy’s to Furlough 100k Employees

idahoreporter.com

11–20 of 98 posts

Re: Macy’s to Furlough 100k Employees

#11

I hope the furloughed workers will be able to get unemployment benefits or something similar. Otherwise being furloughed is the worst of both worlds: employed, but unpaid. On the other hand, being furloughed rather than laid off will mean the workers keep their health insurance.

Furloughed employees typically qualify for unemployment.

What does "typically" meant in this context? Are there cases where Furloughed would not be counted as unemployment?

Re: Macy’s to Furlough 100k Employees

#12
post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Furloughed employees typically qualify for unemployment.

What does "typically" meant in this context? Are there cases where Furloughed would not be counted as unemployment?

Not every state provides UC for furlough. My understanding is that the majority of employees are in states that do, though.

Re: Macy’s to Furlough 100k Employees

#13

Sadly this whole current mess may be an insurmountable hurdle for an industry that was already struggling. This is all going to force some changes for what the future of retail looks like. Hopefully in the long run we can all find a place for in person retail. I buy a lot online but still like going to stores sometimes too. We will likely see the industry re-invent instead a bit with smaller footprints and a focus on…

When we look back on this in a few years I think we will see the virus shutdowns accelerated some trends that were already slowly happening:

- The demise of many traditional retail businesses

- The concentration of surviving retail businesses into big box stores and higher-end retailers (like the stores at Westfield malls)

- Increased usage of online shopping and gig delivery services

- Even more growth for Amazon, Walmart, and Target

I would expect, in general, to see more concentration in most industries after the virus shutdowns end. Retail is the most obvious example.

Re: Macy’s to Furlough 100k Employees

#14

Sadly this whole current mess may be an insurmountable hurdle for an industry that was already struggling. This is all going to force some changes for what the future of retail looks like. Hopefully in the long run we can all find a place for in person retail. I buy a lot online but still like going to stores sometimes too. We will likely see the industry re-invent instead a bit with smaller footprints and a focus on…

When we look back on this in a few years I think we will see the virus shutdowns accelerated some trends that were already slowly happening: - The demise of many traditional retail businesses - The concentration of surviving retail businesses into big box stores and higher-end retailers (like the stores at Westfield malls) - Increased usage of online shopping and gig delivery services - Even more growth for Amazon, W…

> - Even more growth for Amazon, Walmart, and Target

Why Walmart and Target? Aren't they also traditional retail?

Re: Macy’s to Furlough 100k Employees

#15

Sadly this whole current mess may be an insurmountable hurdle for an industry that was already struggling. This is all going to force some changes for what the future of retail looks like. Hopefully in the long run we can all find a place for in person retail. I buy a lot online but still like going to stores sometimes too. We will likely see the industry re-invent instead a bit with smaller footprints and a focus on…

When we look back on this in a few years I think we will see the virus shutdowns accelerated some trends that were already slowly happening: - The demise of many traditional retail businesses - The concentration of surviving retail businesses into big box stores and higher-end retailers (like the stores at Westfield malls) - Increased usage of online shopping and gig delivery services - Even more growth for Amazon, W…

- The shuttering of many media outlets.

Re: Macy’s to Furlough 100k Employees

#16
post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

When we look back on this in a few years I think we will see the virus shutdowns accelerated some trends that were already slowly happening: - The demise of many traditional retail businesses - The concentration of surviving retail businesses into big box stores and higher-end retailers (like the stores at Westfield malls) - Increased usage of online shopping and gig delivery services - Even more growth for Amazon, W…

> - Even more growth for Amazon, Walmart, and Target Why Walmart and Target? Aren't they also traditional retail?

Both Walmart and Target have taken huge strides in moving their business online, and in a lot of features/perks are comparable to Amazon now (especially in price and shipping speeds; Walmart price-matches Amazon and gives free two-day shipping on every order over $35 without a Prime-esque requirement, for example).

Re: Macy’s to Furlough 100k Employees

#17
post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

When we look back on this in a few years I think we will see the virus shutdowns accelerated some trends that were already slowly happening: - The demise of many traditional retail businesses - The concentration of surviving retail businesses into big box stores and higher-end retailers (like the stores at Westfield malls) - Increased usage of online shopping and gig delivery services - Even more growth for Amazon, W…

> - Even more growth for Amazon, Walmart, and Target Why Walmart and Target? Aren't they also traditional retail?

My family has ordered online from all three of these retailers during this pandemic. Walmart and Target may have roots in traditional retail, but their online pipeline is quite robust these days.

Re: Macy’s to Furlough 100k Employees

#18
post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> - Even more growth for Amazon, Walmart, and Target Why Walmart and Target? Aren't they also traditional retail?

Both Walmart and Target have taken huge strides in moving their business online, and in a lot of features/perks are comparable to Amazon now (especially in price and shipping speeds; Walmart price-matches Amazon and gives free two-day shipping on every order over $35 without a Prime-esque requirement, for example).

One can also place orders at Walmart and Target, and pickup the next day; just pull into parking spot, order is brought to the car. Best Buy is also offering "to the car" order delivery during the pandemic.

Amazon delivery times are currently 1 week+ in many locations.

Re: Macy’s to Furlough 100k Employees

#20
post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

When we look back on this in a few years I think we will see the virus shutdowns accelerated some trends that were already slowly happening: - The demise of many traditional retail businesses - The concentration of surviving retail businesses into big box stores and higher-end retailers (like the stores at Westfield malls) - Increased usage of online shopping and gig delivery services - Even more growth for Amazon, W…

> - Even more growth for Amazon, Walmart, and Target Why Walmart and Target? Aren't they also traditional retail?

They have pushed digital pretty hard. Walmart even has https://www.walmartlabs.com/.

Both have been adapting pretty well to Amazon and offer 2 day shipping options as well.

Post reply on HN