Bankrupt department store chain Beales has confirmed it will close its remaining 21 shops two weeks early due to the coronavirus pandemic.
From tomorrow, stores will cease trading, but staff will continue to work in-store until 21 March.
In a statement, Beales said the ‘majority’ of employees will be made redundant as a result.
“Whilst it is regrettable that we have had to take this decision, especially given the fantastic support that the staff have provided to the business and the administrators since our appointment, the impact of these unprecedented circumstances has left us with no alternative option,” said Will Wright, partner at KPMG, who has overseen the administration process.
“We will be working with employees to ensure they have all the necessary information to submit claims to the Redundancy Payments Service, together with details of who to contact for any help and support they may require.”
Two of the department stores shops have already shut in Hexham and Great Yarmouth.
The retailer stocked products across beauty, fashion and homeware.
Beales declined to comment on the announcement.