Retailers address their part in coronavirus outbreak

Executives from leading retailers participated in a national press conference alongside the president on March 13 to discuss their part in helping consumers during the coronavirus outbreak, which President Donald Trump had just declared a national emergency.

Executives from Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS Health, Becton Dickinson, Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp and Roche appeared during the national press conference last week.

Richard Ashworth, who was named president of Walgreens in early February by parent company Walgreens Boots Alliance said the chain would partner with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the administration to provide a retail experience that can be a beacon for the community. 

Brain Cornell, CEO of Target, said at the conference: “In the near term, we’re all committed to making sure we’re keeping our stores open to serve the American consumer who is rapidly stocking up on household essentials, key food and beverage items that they need during this time; making sure we run safe stores; and creating an environment that’s safe for our team members, making sure that they feel supported during this very critical time.”

Read the full recap of the press conference from sister publication Retail Leader.