Coronavirus prompts earlier closure of all Beales stores

The final 11 Beales department stores are set to close two weeks earlier than planned after the outbreak of coronavirus led to a nosedive in trading.

The stores will close on Thursday, according to KPMG, its administrators.

Beales fell into administration in January after failing to find a new buyer or investment for the business.

Will Wright, KPMG partner and joint administrator, said: “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.

“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.”