Clothing giant Primark is set to close every one of its UK stores amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The discount chain has 189 stores across the country - including a big department store on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Doors will shut this evening (Sunday) 'for the foreseeable future'.
It comes after the government began to enforce social distancing policies by ordering the closure of pubs, restaurants, cafés and other social venues.
A Primark spokesman said: “With the health and welfare of our employees and customers front of mind, we have made the decision to close our stores in the UK, until further notice.
"We thank all our employees, customers, suppliers and partners for their continued support.”
On Friday, the company issued an internal memo to its 13,000 strong workforce, offering them the option of unpaid voluntary leave, voluntary reduced hours or the chance to use their holiday allowance for time off for the foreseeable future, the Mirror reports.
Associated British Foods Plc, which owns the retail giant, had already cancelled all new orders from suppliers as demand shrinks due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Financial Times reported.
They follow a number of other stores such as New Look and Ikea in announcing they would be shutting stores.
