// The Perfume Shop closes website amid the coronavirus pandemic
// On March 22, it closed all 231 stores temporarily
// Affected staff will be supported by AS Watson’s workforce financial package
The Perfume Shop has become the latest retailer to shut its online operations in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The fragrance retailer’s parent company AS Watson had already closed its 231 shops on March 22, ahead of the government’s order to temporarily close all non-essential services.
As many as 1875 staff will be affected by the move, but they will be supported by AS Watson’s workforce financial package during the emergency period.
READ MORE: The Perfume Shop opens new concept store in Sheffield
“For 25 years our talented and passionate colleagues have been at our heart and have always come first and that is why we have taken the decision to temporarily suspend fulfilment of website orders so our warehouse team can follow government advice to stay at home,” The Perfume Shop said.
The government had encouraged shoppers to shop online after announcing that non-essential stores would shut.
However, available online delivery slots became a growing issue due to high demand, but there were also concerns over workers’ safety in distribution hubs.
The Perfume Shop managing director Gill Smith said: “Like everyone we are following government guidelines closely and feel we need to put our colleagues, and their families, first and this means pausing delivery of online orders for the moment.”
“In these uncertain times we remain positive and stand beside our people, loyal customers and community as we all work together to fight the spread of Covid-19.”
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