What: When stores reopen on 12 April, almost 1 500 jobs are at risk.

Why is it important: The retailer is expecting of revenues to be generated online, even when shops are trading normally again.

UK department store chain John Lewis will not reopen eight of its 42 stores after the current lockdown ends in April. Department stores in Aberdeen, Sheffield, Peterborough and York will remain closed, plus four smaller “At Home” stores in Tunbridge Wells, Ashford, Basingstoke and Chester.

A total of 1,465 roles are threatened by the closures. A similar number of jobs were already lost last year when eight other stores did not reopen after the first lockdown. The latest closures will reduce the estate to 34 department stores.

“Given the significant shift to online shopping in recent years, we do not think the performance of these eight stores can be substantially improved,” the group said in a statement.

John Lewis will not reopen eight stores when lockdown ends