Dick’s to Furlough Employees on Sunday

Dick’s Sporting Goods, the nation’s largest retail chain specializing in sports equipment, said it will begin furloughing 40,000 employees beginning this Sunday. Dick’s operates 726 stores under the Dick’s brand and 124 Golf Galaxy and Field & Stream stores. All are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic but some are still offering curbside pickup of online orders.

With schools around the country closed, there are no high school or community baseball or softball games, no lacrosse games and no track and field events. Health clubs and all major professional sports have been suspended as well.

Dick’s has agreed to pay employees thru April 11 and said it will continue to offer healthcare benefits to all employees during the furlough.

The company says until stores are fully reopened, small teams will continue to work in stores, distribution centers and corporate offices following social distancing practices. Many employees will have their salaries reduced including corporate executives.