Protective face coverings have been hard to come by online since panic buyers and some opportunistic resellers snapped up surgical face masks in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. But now entertainment companies like Disney DIS, -2.45% and the AT&T-owned T, -1.87% Warner Bros.
“We realize this is a challenging time for families and wearing any type of mask can be daunting,” said Edward Park, senior vice president, Disney store and shopDisney, in a statement announcing the House of Mouse’s new face masks on Thursday. “Our hope is that Disney’s cloth face masks featuring some of our most beloved characters will provide comfort to the families, fans and communities that are so important to us.
“These are confusing times. We want to help families make the situation a little better, and hopefully brighter, by featuring beloved brands that resonate with children and making the act of mask wearing less intimidating,” founder Trevor George wrote in a statement. “By outfitting the whole household, children will hopefully find the act of mask wearing less scary when seeing their parents wear it.
While fashionable face masks may sound frivolous, facial coverings are poised to become essential gear as the pandemic continues to drag on, with a report released Thursday warning that the COVID-19 outbreak could last for up to two more years and infect 60% to 70% of the population. Airlines such as Southwest LUV, -6.46%, American AAL, -11.40% and Alaska Air ALK, -7.41% now require passengers to wear masks on their flights.
After “Project Runway” winner turned Payless and Lane Bryant ASNA, -1.37% designer Christian Siriano heard New York Governor Andrew Cuomo reveal in a March presser that medical workers were suffering a dire mask shortage, he volunteered to put his studio to work making masks. He and his seamstresses are now producing upwards of 7,000 masks a week, the Washington Post reported.
Forever 21 is also offering a line of $5 printed face masks, which quickly sold out, but should be re-stocked sometime in May. It partnered with Family Promise to donate non-medical face masks to low-income families, and for every mask purchased, it will donate another mask to the charity organization. And Etsy ETSY, -0.65% is full of sellers making and selling fabric masks, with many starting at around $10 apiece.
Old Navy made almost $8 billion last year. Their parent company is approaching $14 billion in assets. Before supporting them, have a look at the masks on Etsy. Many are made by people who have lost their jobs and need the income to pay rent and put food on the table.
Market one with a single titty on it. You will sell out in hours. You're welcome
Mine will be a STOP 🛑 sign.