GNC files for Ch. 11 bankruptcy protection, Ugg in demand

The outbreak of the coronavirus has dealt a shock to the global economy with unprecedented speed. Following are developments Wednesday related to the national and global response, the work place and the spread of the virus.

________________________

TRAVEL:

— U.S. gasoline consumption is more than halfway back to pre-COVID-19 levels, according to the Oil Price Information Service, an IHS Markit company.

Fill-ups at the pump fell 49% from 2019 volumes during the second week of April. The most recent OPIS survey shows that demand was down 22% in the second week of June, compared with the year-ago period.

Gasoline sales have been climbing at an average of 6.4% per week since April, according to OPIS President Fred Rozell.

— Airport ground-services firm Swissport says it may have to cut half its British staff because of the collapse in airline travel caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The company, which operates baggage handling and check-in services at U.K. airports including Heathrow and Gatwick, said Wednesday that 4,556 jobs may be cut as it faces a loss of 50% of its revenue this year.

— Royal Caribbean Group's joint venture with Cruises Investment Holding needs to reorganize due to the virus outbreak.

Sailings for the Spanish cruise line, Pullmantur Cruceros, are canceled through Nov. 15, according to a regulatory filing. Guests already booked to sail on Pullmantur will be offered the option to sail on other Royal Caribbean brands, including Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises.

Royal Caribbean owns 49% of Pullmantur Cruceros, while Cruises Investment owns 51%.

RETAIL:

— Health and wellness company GNC Holdings has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. It is looking to close at least 800 to 1,200 stores.

The company said in a statement...