Arcadia closed all stores across its stable of brands today in a bid to focus on its digital and social platforms.

Arcadia said it made the “difficult decision” to close all stores from 4pm this afternoon in order to look after the health and wellbeing of its employees, customers and communities.

The group – which owns Topshop, Miss Selfridge and Burton – said: “All store staff remain employees during this time and will be paid their normal pay for March plus any outstanding overtime payments.”

Arcadia said after this month it would “review this situation and will be keeping our store teams updated”.

It said while stores were closed it would be “focusing on our digital and social platforms to keep customers engaged during this challenging time”.

The group, which is made up of the Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins, Wallis, Burton and Evans brands, trades from 543 stores across the UK and Ireland.

Last May, it underwent a CVA which saw 23 stores close and a further 194 shops slash rents under a comprehensive restructuring plan.

It also closed all 11 of its Topshop and Topman stores in the USA.

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