Canada Goose, Gap to produce medical gear in fight against Covid-19

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Mar 25, 2020

Toronto-based luxury parka maker Canada Goose and casual wear group Gap Inc are joining dozens of other fashion brands in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

The outdoor apparel brand announced on Wednesday that it will begin leveraging its manufacturing facilities to produce necessary medical gear for frontline healthcare workers and patients across Canada. 

Starting at its manufacturing facilities in Toronto and Winnipeg early next week, approximately 50 employees per facility will work to manufacture the gear with an initial goal of producing 10,000 units.

Employees will work to manufacture scrubs for healthcare workers as well as patient gowns, which will be donated locally at no cost. The company said it would extend production across additional facilities as needed. 

"Across Canada, there are people risking their lives every day on the frontlines of Covid-19 in healthcare facilities, and they need help. Now is the time to put our manufacturing resources and capabilities to work for the greater good," said Dani Reiss, president & CEO, Canada Goose, in a news statement. 

"Our employees are ready, willing and able to help, and that's what we're doing. It's the Canadian thing to do.”

Likewise, U.S. retailer Gap said it would connect some of the largest hospital networks in California to its manufacturers to deliver masks, gowns & scrubs for healthcare workers on the front lines.

Last week, the outerwear brand and San Francisco-based fashion group joined hundreds of other brands and retailers in store closures. 

Canada Goose announced the closure of all of its retail stores in North America and Europe until at least March 31, while Gap took a less drastic approach, temporarily closing just over 100 locations in its extensive retail network in the U.S. and Canada, and reducing opening hours at its remaining locations in the region.

Reiss has also committed to foregoing his salary for at least the next three months, with the resulting funds being used to establish the Canada Goose Employee Support Fund, which was established for employees who are impacted by store and manufacturing closures but are not eligible for government assistance.

Moreover, last month, Canada Goose announced a RMB 1 million donation to the Wuhan Charity Federation to help fight the Covid-19 outbreak in Wuhan.

Canada Goose and Gap are just some of many brands giving back amid the Covid-19 crisis. Others, and luxury conglomerates like Prada and LVMH, are using their factories to produce everything from face masks to hand sanitizers for healthcare personnel across Europe. 

Likewise, many brands including Everlane and Kenneth Cole are giving back by committing profits from sales to the charities that need it the most.