In a statement, Arcadia said that it had made the “difficult decision” to close all stores from 4pm this afternoon in order to look after the health and wellbeing of its employees, customers and communities.

The group – which owns brands like Topshop, Miss Selfridge and Burton – said: “All store staff remain employees during this time and will be paid their normal pay for March, plus any outstanding overtime payments.”

Arcadia said, after this month, it would “review this situation and will be keeping our store teams updated”.