Fenwick closes online operations amid Covid-19 virus outbreak

Department store Fenwick has announced the temporary closure of its online operations amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Fenwick closed all its retail stores across the UK last week and has now ceased its e-commerce operations after the prime minister urged all stores selling “non-essential” products to close to help prevent the spread of the virus.

The department store released a statement on its website which read: “Following the Prime Minister’s announcement last night we now, unfortunately, need to temporarily suspend our online operation.

“We are a family owned business and we work a bit differently to some online retailers. We have tried to keep our online business running to serve you – but we don’t have huge warehouses and automated systems, instead a group of dedicated workers hand pick the items you purchase from one of our designated stores, carefully wrap and pack them, ready for delivery.”

The statement continued: “Because of this our teams work closely together and as the virus continues to spread we have a duty to make sure we are looking after all our colleagues – their families and loved ones, as well as our wider communities – and adhere to the very clear government direction.

“We have therefore closed our website temporarily and will not be able to fulfil any more orders at this time. We realise a number of you have orders outstanding with us and we will be getting in touch as soon as we can to discuss these. Please bear with us – we will contact you as quickly as we can.”

The news comes after Harrods and Selfridges both decided to temporarily close its doors due to the coronavirus pandemic.