Coronavirus: Clarks to temporarily close all UK stores

In a statement today, Clarks said it would temporarily close all of its 441 stores in the UK and Ireland immediately in order to protect “the health and safety of our employees, customers and surrounding communities”.

General manager for the UK and Ireland Joe Ulloa said while stores were temporarily closed “store employees will continue to receive pay and benefits”.

He noted that some of Clarks’ franchise stores “may remain open” and said UK customers could continue to shop the retailer’s full range at its online store.

Clarks is one of the largest privately-owned business’ in the UK and becomes the first large-scale UK retail chain to announce store closures across its entire estate. It follows news yesterday that luxury department store Selfridges would be closing its flagship Oxford Street store as well as its two branches in Manchester and one in Birmingham.

Department store chain Fenwick also said yesterday it would close all stores until further notice due to coronavirus.

Oxfam has confirmed the temporary closure of all of its 600-plus high street charity shops until further notice to “protect staff and customers”.

Activewear brand Sweaty Betty has also taken the step of closing all of its stores internationally, including its 50 in the UK.

Temporary retail store closures are likely to increase after reports emerged yesterday that the government may take the drastic step of effectively putting London into lockdown to slow the spread of the disease in the capital.

Sources from the government have been briefing national journalists today and while they have so far ruled out banning travelling to and from London and within the city, they have not ruled out forcing closures of pubs, restaurants and shops other than supermarkets and pharmacies.