U.S. Retail Furloughs Poised to Exceed 1 Million From Shutdown

Retailers have furloughed nearly 1 million workers this week amid an unprecedented shutdown of shopping in America, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Neiman Marcus Group to Ross Stores Inc. are among the latest major chains to announce they’re halting pay for their workers while maintaining benefits. Nonessential retail stores are closed across much of the U.S. in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus. The total of furloughed workers now stands at about 900,000.

Millions more workers are at risk of being furloughed or fired the more re-opening dates get pushed back. Most retailers had hoped to return ...