La Sportiva, the Italian producer of climbing and hiking shoes and clothing, announced on March 12 the closure of its head office, store and manufacturing plant at Ziano di Fiemme in Northern Italy because of the coronavirus epidemic, at least until April 3. The facilities employ a total of 364 people. Only some customer service, shipment and administrative functions are being maintained on a part-time basis, but the company reports that some orders have been cancelled in Italy and that others are being delayed due to travel restrictions in Austria and France. Lorenzo Delladio, chief executive and president of the company, admitted that this will cause personal sacrifices and losses in terms of sales, profits, market presence, but “will allow us to start up again with more motivation once the emergency is over.” He expressed hope that other entrepreneurs and the Italian government will go in the same direction to ensure that his determination will be effective.

Topics