Shoppers support department stores' decision to close saying safety should be top priority

Shoppers say they support department stores who have decided to close to help limit the spread of the coronavirus, despite an order that’s hasn’t mandated them to do so.

Several department stores across the country, including Kohl’s and T.J Maxx, say they will be closing its doors, but announced employees will still be paid.

Melissa Chasson, who visited the Kohl’s in Middle River, had no idea the store was closing when she tried to pickup an online order.

“I walked up to the door, saw the sign that it was closed and came back to the car,” she said. “I didn’t make it. It happens.”

But, Chasson says that’s the least of her concerns right now.

“If they cancel the order and refund my money, they cancel the order and refund my money,” Chasson said. “I rather someone be safe than get sick.”

Rick Nesbit was inside of Kohl’s when employees told him the store was closing. Nesbit says one of his first thoughts was the countless employees from impacted industries who are now out of work because of the virus.

“Its a shame what’s happening to all these people who are out of jobs now,” he said. “Hopefully, things get better for them. Can’t imagine what we are going through.”

While grocery stores will remain open, the closures to many other businesses is impacting our daily lives and it’s causing many people anxiety.

Chasson and Nesbit are urging for every to stay calm, voicing their support for the Governor’s decisions. Both say we can and will get through this together.

“This is all pretty new to every body,” Nesbit said. “[The closures are] needed. It needs to be done.

“If we band together as a country and as a people and help one another out….we will all stick through it and get through it,” Chasson said.