John Lewis has closed its 50 UK stores (Picture: PA)

John Lewis has announced it is closing all 50 shops at the close of business on Monday as a result of the impact of coronavirus.

The retailer said the decision to shut its doors would be temporary and was made with a ‘heavy heart’ after footfall to its stores dropped sharply.

It is the first time the business has had to make such a move in its 155 year history, with the exception of the blitz during World War II.

Chairman Sharon White said: ‘The Partnership has traded for over 155 years, during which time we have faced many difficult periods, including two world wars and the 2008 financial crisis. On every occasion, thanks to our customers and Partners, and the long standing relationships with our suppliers and stakeholders, we have emerged stronger. We all need to continue to support each other and our strength and resilience will be tested. But they will not be broken.’


John Lewis will shut its doors from Monday amid the worsening coronavirus pandemic (Picture: PA)

The statement said Johnlewis.com, which generates half the brand’s business, will operate as normal, and store staff at risk of losing their jobs will be redeployed to other roles across the John Lewis Partnership (JLP ) where possible.



The retailer said over 2,000 employees are already working in its Waitrose supermarkets to assist with the unprecedented demand for grocery and other essential goods amid coronavirus panic buying.

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While the business has experienced a surge in demand for food, it said the ‘extraordinary volatility’ of the coronavirus outbreak made predicting full year cash flow and profits difficult. Fashion sales are expected to decline, but it is hoped sales in electricals and homeware could pick up as people contine to work from home.

Ms White said: ‘I also want to give my personal thanks to every single Partner for their extraordinary efforts, I am truly grateful. And to the wider community for pulling together with us during such unprecedented times.’

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John Lewis is the latest coronavirus high street casualty after Topshop, Zara and New Look, among others, announced they would be closing their doors. Last week, struggling fashion and homeware brand Laura Ashley fell into administration after rescue talks collapsed amid the worsening pandemic.

JLP said the Government’s decision to introduce a business rates holiday will save the comapny around £160 million over the next 12 months and welcomed wages support.

With one million workers poised to lose their jobs over society’s shut down, Chancellor Rishi Sunak yesterday unveiled an ‘unprecedented’ economic intervention to prevent people being laid off.

The Government has vowed to cover 80% of wages for at-risk workers, covering a maximum of £2,500 a month – just above the UK’s median income. The coronavirus job retention scheme will run for at least three months but can be extended if necessary and will have ‘no limit’ of funding, Mr Sunak said.

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