Vera Bradley, Others Detail Impact from COVID-19
(IIB Photo/Alex Brown)
Fort Wayne-based Vera Bradley Inc. (Nasdaq: VRA) announced additional business updates related to COVID-19. Several other businesses have issued notices to the state detailing new layoffs, affecting nearly 300 people.
Vera Bradley Chief Executive Officer Robert Wallstrom says the company will continue to furlough the majority of store associates and will furlough certain home office associates effective April 5 until it is considered safe and advisable to reopen our stores. Additionally, Wallstrom said a number of distribution center associates were furloughed last week. The company says the furloughed associates will continue to receive enrolled benefits up to 12 weeks from their original furlough date.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly every person, family, and company in this country and around the world, and our Vera Bradley family is no exception,” said Wallstrom. “As the situation continues to evolve, we are evaluating plans and reacting as quickly and thoughtfully as possible. We have tried hard to minimize the pandemic’s impact on our Associates, shareholders, and other stakeholders.”
Texas-based manufacturer Allura says it will implement layoffs affecting 83 people in Terre Haute from April 3 through June 2. The company says it will continue to provide pay and benefits to its employees.
Miami-based provider of food services to airports and train stations, Areas USA, says it will temporarily close its restaurant operations and conduct layoffs at Indianapolis International Airport. The company says employee separations began March 19. All layoffs are expected to be temporary and all affected employees will be paid all earned wages and benefits through their last day worked.
South Bend-based PSI Molded Plastics has announced a temporary mass layoff involving 55 employees. The company did not disclose if pay and benefits would be provided.
Roanoke-based Group Delphi says it is laying off a total of 54 employees. The company says the layoffs are due to a drop in business, which primarily relies on trade shows, conventions, conferences, and other events.
Miami-based restaurant business Benihana National Corp. says it was left with no choice but to terminate 33 Indianapolis employees. The restaurant chain says it will remain open in a limited capacity for take-out or delivery only, and it hopes to rehire as many employees as possible once the pandemic ends.