H.Samuel announces temporary store closures amid Covid-19 virus outbreak

High street jewellery store H. Samuel has announced the temporary closure of all its stores amid the recent outbreak of the Covid-19 virus.

The retailer announced all store closures will take effect from today (Monday 23 March) but its website will be “open as usual.” In a statement, the retailer also thanked its customers for the continued “loyalty and support”, even in these “uncertain times.”

The statement read: “As the crisis surrounding Covid-19 advances around the world, we will continue to create the best possible experience for you as you continue to celebrate meaningful moments in the current environment.

“We have decided to temporarily close our retail stores beginning this evening (23rd March), we will continue to follow the guidelines from the government and health officials in determining when our stores will reopen. While we regret not being able to serve you in-person during this time, we take this action now in hope that we may safely welcome you back to our stores as soon as possible.”

It added: “For over 150 years, we’ve helped couples express their love and been at the forefront of special moments celebrating the bonds between friends and family. Right now, it is more important than ever for us to support you and your family, and rest assured, we have your best interest at heart.”

The news follows after many other retailers decided to temporarily close its doors due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Beaverbrooks announced it is to close all of its stores by 5pm today (23 March). 

Managing director Anna Blackburn said this decision will “greatly affect” its hundreds of store colleagues, and added that supporting them is its “number one focus right now”.