Next warns of unprecedented crisis on high street amid coronavirus impact
UK retailers, bus companies, publishers and cinema chains issue warnings as sales take hit
The chief executive of Next has said the British high street is facing a crisis that is “unprecedented in living memory” as it joined a slew of companies warning of the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Simon Wolfson said Next was planning for a sales hit of up to a £1bn in the year ahead as the UK prepares for lockdown to try to slow the spread of the virus. He called on the government to put in place measures to support the income of staff in shops that are forced to close.