All the shops and restaurants that have gone into administration or closed stores forever since lockdown
HIGH street shops were already in trouble before the coronavirus pandemic, with increased pressure from online sales.
Now, it is acting as a “hammer blow against the sector” says the Centre for Retail Research (CRR) which predicts 20,000 shops will close.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
In 2019, 16,073 shops shut their doors forever, which resulted in 143,128 job losses, according to the CRR, and this year is predicted to be a lot worse.
Shops and restaurants have been shut since March 23, when Boris Johnson brought in the coronavirus lockdown, and they're not due to open again until June.
From June 15, non-essential shops will be able to reopen, and some such as John Lewis have announced changes it will make to stores.
But many will suffer, and some may not reopen at all, after three months of being closed and the reality of a much-changed high street from June.
Job losses of 235,704 are expected this year as a result of shops closing, according to the CRR.
A number of shops have already shut their doors for good because of the outbreak.
These include Laura Ashley, Cath Kidston, and Oasis and Warehouse while several others are teetering on going bust.
Here we list all the shops that have gone bust because of the outbreak, and those which have already confirmed they will keep some shops permanently closed.
Antler
Luxury luggage brand Antler went into administration last week, with the loss of 164 of 200 jobs.
The iconic British suitcase maker, founded 106 years ago, appointed KPMG as administrators.
The firm’s failure was triggered by the halt to global travel and shutdown of stores amid the pandemic, KPMG said.
It was bought by fashion tycoon, Michael Lewis, in February through his holding company ATR.
Brighthouse
Rent-to-own firm BrightHouse, which had 2,400 employees, went bust in March and appointed Grant Thornton as administrator.
The high-cost credit firm had already been struggling to stay afloat due to a surge in compensation claims over irresponsible lending.
But after investors withdrew support for a proposed restructuring plan because of the coronavirus crisis, it shut up shop for good.
Carluccio’s
Carluccio's fell into administration in March, after being on the edge of collapse when it was forced to close branches due to the coronavirus crisis.
The Italian food chain, with around 100 branches and 2,000 employees, appointed FRP Advisory as its administrator.
FRP said at the time it was exploring a number of options to rescue the chain, including the interest regarding a sale.
Carluccio's was founded in 1999 by late chef Antonio Carluccio and has been on British high streets for 20 years.
Cath Kidston
Vintage fashion brand, Cath Kidston, closed all 60 of its UK stores in April with the loss of 908 out of 940 jobs.
A pre-pack administration deal was struck by the owners of the brand allowing it to continue trading online.
The chain appointed Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) as its administrators on Friday, April 3.
While its parent company, Baring Private Equity Asia, bought the brand, as well as its e-commerce and wholesale side of the businesses from administrators.
Chiquito
Tex-mex dining chain, Chiquito, called in administrators at the end of March and confirmed 61 of 80 restaurants would not open again.
Its owner, The Restaurant Group, which also owns Wagamama said the coronavirus lockdown was the reason for calling in administrators.
It is believed around 1,500 jobs were lost as a result.
Debenhams
The struggling chain went into administration on April 11, for the second time in 12 months, putting 22,000 jobs at risk.
The company appointed business advisory firm FRP Advisory to oversee the process and it last went bust in April 2019.
Its 142 shops are still shut because of the lockdown, and not due to open again until June. However, when this happens 22 will remain permanently closed.
Its Irish business, which is made up of 11 stores with around 1,400 staff, has also ceased trading.
Laura Ashley
Laura Ashley went bust in March, just before the lockdown was brought in, putting 2,700 jobs at risk.
It had been doing well before the pandemic struck, during the seven weeks to March 13, with trading up 24 per cent on the same period a year earlier.
But it said the virus had an immediate and significant impact on trading and its main shareholder, MUI Asia Limited, was not able to step in with the money needed.
Oasis and Warehouse
Fashion giants Oasis and Warehouse went bust on April 15 leading to 1,800 staff bring placed on furlough, and 202 being made redundant.
Deloitte was appointed to manage the process of deciding what will happen next.
Pizza Express
While Pizza Express hasn't confirmed any closures yet, it has been suggested that some of its 470 branches may not reopen after lockdown.
The Chinese-owned chain, which employs 14,000 people globally, has a debt of £1.1billion and it has asked debtors if it can delay its 2019 results.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS - STAY IN THE KNOW
Don't miss the latest news and figures - and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun's Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, .
To follow us on Facebook, simply .
Get Britain's best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day - .
Most read in Money
Some businesses including shops and restaurants have started reopening already.
To clear excess stock, many shops have launched big online sales including Debenhams, M&S, and Next.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Wetherspoons has also revealed its plans to open pubs again.