Mosaic Brands, which owns retail chains including Rivers, Rockmans and W.Lane announced that it would suspend store operations temporarily from March 26.

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The statement cites the company's inability to adhere to social distancing protocols, as well as a recent drop in revenue, as reasons for the closures.

"The Group's personal service mandate, which it prides itself on, conflicts with the government's 'social distancing' recommendations," the statement said

"All team members affected by the store closures will be stood down with access to leave entitlements while the Group reviews government support schemes that may be available to them."

Fellow retailers Forever New and Michael Hill have also closed their storefronts due to coronavirus concerns; all three will continue to trade online.