These are trying times indeed, and as the world frantically struggles to put an end to this modern-day pandemic, the LEGO Group is now doing its share to combat this scourge labeled as COVID-19. After announcing the temporary closure of the famed LEGO House in Denmark (one of the countries in the EU region severely hit by this pandemic), TLG is now making the sad but necessary move of closing its approximately 150 LEGO Brand Stores worldwide, with the exception of those located in China particularly in Shanghai and Beijing.
The said LEGO Brand Stores will be closed until March 27, or until such time that local health authorities see it fit to lift any bans or restrictions due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. Though LEGO assures us that their online store is still operational, I’m still not quite sure how the deliveries will commence if strict quarantine procedures are now in place in your respective communities.
Here’s what Niels Christiansen, CEO of the LEGO Group has to say about this news.
An open letter from Niels B Christiansen, CEO, The LEGO Group
The health and safety of children and communities worldwide is our top priority.
We are working extremely hard to protect our colleagues, our customers and of course, our youngest fans.
To reduce the risk of the virus spreading further, we’ve rapidly stepped up our efforts in every country where we operate.
We’ve temporarily closed the approximately 150 LEGO® Brand Retail stores we own and operate until at least March 27 in all countries except China. Our online store on LEGO.com remains open. Our retail store colleagues will receive their scheduled wages until this time.
Every colleague whose job allows them to work from home must do so. For colleagues whose job requires them to come to work, we are taking extraordinary measures to safeguard their health. For example, we will conduct temperature checks on employees and implement mandatory hand washing and sanitizing. We’ve rearranged our workplaces to ensure that colleagues do not gather in large groups and practice social distancing. Naturally, we have canceled all travel.
We’re monitoring the situation continuously and will take whatever steps are necessary to promote well-being.
One thing I am certain of is the awesomeness of the people who work at the LEGO Group and our fans. One of our company values is caring. The way everyone is looking after each other is truly inspiring. We’re listening to you, and we take strength from the fact that play and learning can bring families together for moments of joy, even at the most uncertain times.
We will get through this together.
Stay safe, stay home and stay strong.
Niels
As I write this post, our national government has placed our larger community in lockdown until the middle of April. And I’m sure that as you read this, you might be going through the same unpleasant experience of having your movements curtailed and extremely limited. With plenty of time in our hands as we stay home, I’m thankful that our LEGO bricks are here to somewhat lift our spirits. So in case you missed out on that one LEGO set that you so are so eager to have because of this outbreak, then just hang on tight and remember that things can still be pretty awesome wherever you are.
Keep safe everyone and keep on building!
