Luxury brands announce temporary pauses of global operations to reduce the spread of COVID- 19 (coronavirus)

 

 

 

 

In a proactive response to the unpredictable circumstances evolving from the global spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and in an abundance of caution, a series of luxury brands announced that they will voluntarily pause global operations. Rolex is shutting down three factories in Switzerland, while MGM Resorts shuts down all operations in Las Vegas and other properties.

MGM Resorts International announced its decision to temporarily suspend operations at its Las Vegas properties, effective as of Tuesday, March 17th.

MGM Resorts will not be taking reservations for arrivals prior to May 1. The following statement was released by Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts: “As the coronavirus pandemic has intensified in the United States over the past week, the people of MGM Resorts have worked to try to find a way to continue delivering high-quality hospitality and entertainment experiences for our guests while keeping our employees doing the jobs they love in a safe environment. Welcoming people from around the world is what we do, and our employees have tremendous pride in their work.

“Despite our commitment to dedicating additional resources for cleaning and promoting good health, while making difficult decisions to close certain aspects of our operations, it is now apparent that this is a public health crisis that requires major collective action if we are to slow its progression.”

Ferrari announces the suspension of production in Maranello and Modena, Italy

Ferrari has decided to suspend production in Maranello and Modena until 27 March. The decision has been taken by the Company for its employees’ well-being and follows a number of rigorous preventive measures already implemented by the luxury company to guarantee the highest health standards in light of the Italian Government’s decree on COVID-19 issued on March 11, as well as previous decrees. The Company, that had ensured continued production so far whilst placing employees’ wellbeing as its main priority, is now experiencing the first serious supply chain issues, which no longer allow for continued production. All non-manufacturing related activity will continue on a regular basis, leveraging the opportunities provided by smart working.

Scuderia Ferrari, in line with manufacturing, has also suspended its operational activities. “At a time like this,” commented Ferrari’s CEO, Louis Camilleri, “My gratitude goes first and foremost to Ferrari’s women and men who, with their tremendous commitment over the past few days, have demonstrated the passion and dedication that defines our marque. Together with our suppliers, they have ensured the Company’s production. And it is out of our respect for them, for their peace of mind and those of their families that we have decided on this course of action. Camilleri added “Our clients and fans are also top of mind for us at this time, as we prepare for a strong restart.”

 

Automobili Lamborghini has intensified measures taken against Coronavirus closing its premises from 13 March until 25  March 2020.

Stefano Domenicali, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Automobili Lamborghini comments: “This measure is an act of social responsibility and high sensibility towards our people, in the extraordinary situation in which we find ourselves right now in Italy and which is also evolving abroad due to the worldwide spread of Coronavirus. As we have done up until now, we continue to monitor the situation in order to react rapidly and with the right flexibility, in collaboration with our people and in order to restart with energy in the right moment.”

The luxury group LVMH is manufacturing hydroalcoholic gel on three of its French production sites dedicated to its perfumes and cosmetics. LVMH’s perfumes and cosmetics branches are mobilizing their production capacities to manufacture and offer French authorities large quantities of hydroalcoholic gel. Twelve tonnes of disinfectat gel will be produced in the first week, and more thereafter.

Luxury Italian powerhouse Bulgari announced a donation to the Research Department of the Lazzaro Spallanzani Hospital in Rome. Bulgari is supporting medical research to contain first and then eradicate Coronavirus, not only from Italy, but from the rest of the world.

“We also support our employees based in Italy, China and all regions impacted by the virus, following all governmental recommendations to stop the epidemic to spread. From now on, we implemented smartworking as much as possible in order to insure continuity, but also to guarantee security to our employees and to limit commuting and travels. We are of course committed to offering our clients the best and most secured experience possible, through our online activities. As of now, our Italian stores will be closed until March 25,” announced Bulgari.

Cunard Cruises announced that it is pausing new North American departures for a month-long period through Saturday, April 11, 2020.

The high-end cruise line announced that guests impacted directly are being contacted regarding their voyage and their options.

“Throughout this COVID-19 situation that has now turned into a global pandemic, we have implemented enhanced levels of screening, monitoring and sanitation protocols to protect the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we serve. While Cunard has not had a diagnosed case linked to our operation, we realize this situation is dynamic and is larger than the cruise industry alone, and we will continue to do our part to support public officials to manage and contain this unprecedented public health challenge,” said Cunard in a statement.

Princess Cruises will voluntarily pause global operations of its 18 cruise ships for two months (60 days), impacting voyages departing March 12 to May 10. For those who are impacted by this business decision, Princess is offering guests the opportunity to transfer 100% of the money paid for their cancelled cruise to a future cruise of their choice. To add a bonus incentive for guests to accept this offer, the company will add an additional generous future cruise credit benefit which can be applied to the cruise fare or onboard expenses. In addition, Princess will honor this offer for those guests who had made final payment and canceled their booking on or after February 4, 2020. The future cruise credit can be used on any voyage departing through May 1, 2022.

 

Wynn Resorts has decided to temporarily close Wynn Las Vegas and Encore as part of its continuing effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus).

The Company has committed to pay all full-time Wynn and Encore employees during the closure. The closure is expected to be in effect for two weeks, after which time the Company will evaluate the situation. A limited number of employees and management will remain at the resort to secure and maintain the facility.

Wynn and Encore Las Vegas feature two luxury hotel towers with a total of 4,748 spacious hotel rooms, suites and villas, approximately 192,000 square feet of casino space, 22 dining experiences featuring signature chefs and 11 bars, two award-winning spas, approximately 290,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, approximately 160,000 square feet of retail space as well as two showrooms; two nightclubs, a beach club and recreation and leisure facilities.

2020 Greenwich Concours d’Elegance Canceled Due to Coronavirus

The 25th Anniversary edition of the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance has been canceled due to coronavirus health concerns, Hagerty announced today.

“We all love cars and the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, which is a highlight of the year for thousands of car fans across the region and nation,” said McKeel Hagerty, chairman of the event. “But what matters most is the safety and well-being of our friends, families and loved ones.”

The Concours, he said, will return in 2021 with exciting new classes and features. In the meantime, once public health officials agree that it is safe to congregate again, Hagerty plans to host local car events to engage and energize car and driving fans and whet their appetite for next year’s show. Baselworld, the biggest watch and jewelry fair, was also postponed due to coronavirus.