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Zara is making a big change to its manufacturing practices due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Though fashion retailers around the world have had to adapt to new store closures throughout the crisis, Zara has found a way to use its resources to help those in need of assistance. The Spanish-based brand will use its existing factories to create face masks and hospital gowns that will be donated to patients with the virus and healthcare workers treating them.
Zara made this decision after the Spanish government allowed companies to use their factories and logistics teams to contribute to COVID-19 relief efforts. The brand expects to make a delivery of masks and gowns least once a week, prioritizing those most in need first. It has already donated at least 10,000 protective face masks and will be able to ship another 300,000 at the end of the week.
Zara's parent company, Inditex, told Vogue that Spanish health authorities say that protective masks are the most urgently needed supplies, followed by gloves, protective glasses, caps, shoe covers, and face shields.
The brand has begun sourcing medical-grade fabric to construct hospital gowns. Zara said that it is looking into switching the capacities it uses to manufacture textiles to produce health materials.
Zara is setting a good example of how people can help others in need during this time. If you want to support the brand as it supports COVID-19 relief efforts, you can still shop online even though all of its stores in the U.S. are closed.
