By James Davey
(Reuters) – Leading British fashion chain Next
Rival British retailer Marks and Spencer
Next had closed all its stores on Monday, a day before Britain went on lockdown, but continued to run its online business.
“Next has listened very carefully to its colleagues working in warehousing and distribution operations to fulfill online orders. It is clear that many increasingly feel they should be at home in the current climate,” the company said.
“Next has therefore taken the difficult decision to temporarily close its online, warehousing and distribution operations,” it said.
At 1215 GMT, Next shares were down 8.7% at 41.16 pounds.
Next, whose Chief Executive Simon Wolfson represents the ruling Conservative party in the upper house of parliament, generates around half of its revenue from its online business.
A number of retailers are having to scale back or halt their online activities to try to safeguard their workers’ health.
Amazon.com
BACK TO BASICS
Other fashion retailers in Europe are trying to keep their online business going.
Spain’s Inditex
Online retailer ASOS
However, people’s orders reflect the current crisis.
Items currently selling well include everyday basics such as socks, underwear, leggings and children’s wear, an M&S spokeswoman said.
That echoes comments from Europe’s biggest pure online fashion retailer Zalando
With all of Britain’s shops closed, apart from food stores, pharmacies and corner shops, there has been a growing backlash against retailers who continue to sell online.
Next said last week it could sustain a hit from coronavirus of more than 1 billion pounds ($1.2 billion), or 25% of annual sales, without exceeding its debt and bank facilities.
(Reporting by Pushkala Aripaka in Bengaluru and James Davey and Keith Weir in London; additional reporting by Sonya Dowsett in Madrid; Editing by Kate Holton and Mark Potter)