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DULUTH, Ga.—National Vision Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE), one of the nation’s largest optical retailers, announced late Wednesday afternoon that it will temporarily close all retail locations through Sunday, March 28, in response to national efforts to help stem the COVID-19 pandemic. The company said it will continue to closely monitor this global health crisis with a view of reopening its retail stores as quickly as possible and will provide impacted associates full base pay through March 28.

National Vision operates more than 1,100 retail stores in 44 states under several retail banners, including: America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, Eyeglass World, Vision Centers inside select Walmart stores and Vista Opticals inside Fred Meyer stores. The retailer also operates stores on select military bases, along with several e-commerce websites.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented situation that requires rapid response,” chief executive officer Reade Fahs said in the announcement. “In thinking about the health and safety of our associates, optometrists, patients and customers, and the unique affordable models of America’s Best and our other low cost store formats, we decided this temporary measure is the best course of action at this time to protect everyone from further spread of the virus.”

He added, “While eyecare and eyewear are critical, during this time of national emergency, we believe it is our responsibility to pause to ensure that people are able to practice social distancing and to allow critical health care resources to be devoted to COVID-19.”

The company will maintain its e-commerce services offered through americasbest.com, eyeglassworld.com, as well as discountglasses.com and discountcontacts.com.

Additionally, as a precautionary measure to preserve financial flexibility in light of uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the company elected to borrow the remaining $146.3 million in available funds under its revolving credit facility. The company noted that it has no meaningful maturities due until 2024. With this recent draw down on the revolving credit facility, the company has more than $250 million in available cash on hand, the announcement noted.