Belgian luxury chocolate brand "Godiva" has announced that it will withdraw from the store operation business in North America due to a decrease in the number of customers, and the influence of the new coronavirus has extended to famous brands.
According to the announcement, Godiva will withdraw from the operating business by the end of March by selling or closing 128 stores in North America.
Regarding the reason for the withdrawal, Godiva cites that while the number of customers visiting stores has decreased due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection, consumers' shopping style has changed, such as increased online sales.
The impact of the withdrawal on the employment of employees will not be announced.
At the Godiva store in Manhattan, central New York, there was a sticker at the entrance stating, "Goodbye, not. See you again."
In the United States, online shopping is growing due to the expansion of so-called nesting demand accompanying the spread of virus infection, and retailers and other companies are being forced to review their management strategies.