Coronavirus causes Marks and Spencer to consider temporary closures

The retail giant M&S has said it is preparing contingency plans which may lead it to temporarily close some of its stores in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.
By Brogan Maguire
Published 20th Mar 2020, 12:47 BST
Updated 20th Mar 2020, 12:48 BST
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The company told the BBC that clothes sales had suffered.

It said: "M&S has served customers without cease through two world wars [and] terrorist bombings and we are determined to support customers now.

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Marks and Spencer has said it could consider temporarily closing some of its stores.Marks and Spencer has said it could consider temporarily closing some of its stores.
Marks and Spencer has said it could consider temporarily closing some of its stores.

"At this stage we are not assuming a return to normal trading in the autumn."

At the moment, M&S stores are open but its cafes have been closed.

It has also dedicated the first hour of shopping on certain days to vulnerable and elderly customers, as well as NHS and emergency staff starting from today, Friday.

Vulnerable and elderly customers will benefit from this on Mondays and Thursdays while NHS and emegency workers will get the opportunity on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Related topics:BBCHarrogateNHS