A consumer advisory issued on June 1, 2020 by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) clarifies which hard-surface disinfectant products may legally make claims regarding expected efficacy against the COVID-19 virus.
Continue Reading EPA Warns Against Potentially False and Misleading COVID-19 Disinfectant Claims
The COVID-19 pandemic has driven a large shift toward online retail transactions. In April of 2020, nonstore sales, mostly conducted through e-commerce, increased by nearly 30 percent while overall retail sales in the US are down 16 percent year over year, according to the Department of Commerce.
Continue Reading COVID-19 and E-Commerce are Changing Retailers’ Real Estate Footprints
COVID-19 has had an unprecedented effect on the retail industry across the United States, as many retailers grapple with government mandates that either require closure or impose stringent restrictions on being open, employment and supply chain disruptions, and an overall decline in consumer demand as market conditions remain volatile and unemployment rates continue to rise.
Continue Reading Trends in Retailer SEC Disclosures in Light of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on retailers in an already battered industry. Commencing in mid-March, governors from a majority of states issued executive orders requiring nonessential businesses to close to combat the spread of COVID-19. Retailers who rely on foot traffic to support their businesses felt a swift and severe impact. Retailers who recently had filed bankruptcy under chapter 11 had their reorganization efforts disrupted in unprecedented fashion.
Continue Reading Bankruptcies on Ice: Retailers Obtain Further Extensions of Stay Orders Through the End of May
Many recent government orders require “nonessential” businesses to close due to COVID-19, resulting in massive financial losses for many retail businesses. The orders also change how “essential” retailers do business. For instance, Miami-Dade County’s mayor issued an executive order requiring people who visit or work at, among other places, grocery stores, restaurants and pharmacies to use face coverings. Los Angeles County issued a similar order. These orders may result in businesses’ turning away noncompliant customers, which will cause further financial harm. Regardless of the jurisdictions where your retail business is located, it is likely that there is a governmental order affecting its operations. Your business is likely sustaining or will sustain substantial losses as a result, and incur additional expenses to comply with evolving requirements and guidelines and in resuming operations as soon as possible.
Continue Reading No Mask, No Service – Evolving COVID-19 Orders May Support Insurance Coverage for Retailers’ Losses
Importers that have suffered “significant financial hardship” due to COVID-19 may qualify for a 90-day pay extension for certain tariffs. On April 19, 2020, following calls for trade liberalization to ease economic pressures, the Trump administration issued an executive order, along with a temporary final rule by the US Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection, which postpones the time to deposit certain duties, taxes and fees. However, the 90-day pay extension is limited in scope and certain goods are not eligible for the extension.
Continue Reading 90-Day Tariff Relief Provides Retailers with Much-Needed Liquidity
As previously reported on the Hunton Insurance Recovery Blog, our lawyers discuss the types of claims that may arise from COVID-19, and the impact the pandemic may have on D&O insurance policyholders and their insurers.
Continue Reading Hunton Insurance Recovery Lawyers Discuss D&O Insurance Issues Arising from the COVID-19 Crisis
As reported on the Hunton Employment & Labor Perspectives blog, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued two executive orders to begin the process of reopening businesses in the state.
Continue Reading Texas Governor Issues Executive Orders to Reopen Business for Retail and Healthcare Employers
The COVID-19 pandemic poses unique and novel challenges to publicly-traded retailers, particularly with respect to design and testing of both internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. We recommend that retailers assess what has changed in the current financial reporting environment, consider whether existing controls are sufficient to prepare financial statements and disclosure documents at the reasonable assurance level, and determine what new controls (if any) are necessary to reduce the risk of errors and fraud.
Continue Reading COVID-19: Considerations for Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
The City of Los Angeles joined San Diego County and issued an Order that requires certain workers to wear cloth face coverings.
Continue Reading The City of Los Angeles Orders Face Coverings for Certain Workers and Customers, and Requires Certain Employers to Provide Them