The retail sector was already facing an uphill battle at the beginning of 2020 – with the fallout from Brexit coupled with dwindling consumer confidence putting a strain on businesses – but no one could have predicted just how hard the struggle would be. 

Coronavirus shuttered non-essential shops for close to three months and while the government has offered some support, including the furlough scheme, loans and business rates holidays, these measures simply weren’t enough for retailers that were already in precarious positions.

However, all is not lost and many of these businesses hope to return stronger and leaner than before.