Arcadia has announced it is to close all of its UK stores as the coronavirus pandemic continues to have a major impact on businesses and individuals in the UK
The huge company, which has over 1,000 employees, is responsible for stores such as Burton, Outfit, Topshop and Topman, Dorothy Perkins, Wallis and Miss Selfridge.
A spokesman for Arcadia said: “The health and wellbeing of our employees, customers and communities remains our highest priority and we continue to closely follow the government guidelines.
"In line with many other retailers the Group has made the difficult decision to close until further notice all of our stores from 4PM this afternoon. All store staff remain employees during this time and will be paid their normal pay for March plus any outstanding overtime payments, after which we will review this situation and will be keeping our store teams updated.
"In the meantime we will be focusing on our digital and social platforms to keep our customers engaged during this challenging time."
What is social distancing?:
It was reported earlier this week how Sir Philip Green reportedly planned to restructure his Arcadia empire, with possible changes including a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) which is a type of insolvency mechanism.
An Arcadia worker, who did not want to be named or say which store they worked at, said they were informed of the news from their boss.
“We have been told from 4pm today onwards Arcadia is closing its brand sites across the country and they will pay us up until March then we will be temporarily laid off,” they claimed.
“I think they are trying to not permanently close but for the time being.
“It was a shock, but I’m not surprised. The company has struggled for a while. It was coming, to be honest.
“I do think it will have a really big knock on the high street. They are such strong brand names and are highly recognisable names. People will notice the difference.
“It’s been a worry for a while, the brand has been a bit rocky, I’m a bit worried about what I’m going to do about bills and I’ll have to sort out rent. I could have to look elsewhere.
“Next week they said they are going to give us more information.”
Arcadia has around 570 stores, as well as hundreds more branded concessions.
The move comes as millions across the country have been advised to self-isolate by prime minister Boris Johnson in a bid to bring the coronavirus pandemic under control in the United Kingdom.
The PM’s advice not to visit social meeting places such as restaurants, bars, cinemas and theatres, has seen a huge downturn in footfall in city and town centres.
