Beauty store Lush has announced it will be closing all of its UK and Ireland stores from today.
In an email sent this afternoon to all Lush customers, the retailer admits the decision to temporarily close was made with a "heavy heart".
The closure, Lush says it to help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
It follows the Government's announcement last night that all pubs, bars, restaurants, leisure centres and gyms were ordered to close.
In the statement Lush said: "Today we announce the temporary closure of all our UK&I stores, from end of trade on Saturday 21st March until further notice, to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
"We make this decision with a heavy heart because our instinct is to serve our customers, not to shutter our shops.
"Lush is not just our life’s work, we know that Lush staff would go to the ends of the earth for this company – but in the immediate best interests of them and our customers the time is now right to close our retail shops.
"It is ironic that a soap shop should shut at the very time when our product is not just wonderful to use, but lifesaving.
"So thankfully our manufacturing and digital fulfilment teams are still working hard to make and despatch online orders for you, whilst observing all the essential extra hygiene measures these current times require."
The retailer added it was keen to find community groups it could donate any soap left on its shelves to, as well as offering help to any healthcare workers worldwide who may need it.
The statement added: "Lush would like to express our deep appreciation and respect to healthcare workers worldwide who are giving their all to care for the sick, if there is anything we can do to help please get in touch. We will also be looking for community groups to donate whatever soap is left on our shelves.
"Throughout the history of Lush our amazing, loyal worldwide customer base has seen us through growing pains, the economic crash and local disasters. Please, each and every one of you stay safe.
"Plenty of soap and a warm welcome awaits you at our shops when they reopen. Until then, with much love from All at Lush."
River Island, Topshop and H&M have all confirmed its stores would be closing in a big to prevent the spread to coronavirus too.
