Next and TK Maxx halt online operations

Retail giants Next and TK Maxx have both announced the temporary closures of their online operations amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Next announced it had made the “difficult decision” to temporarily close its online, warehousing and distribution operations for the foreseeable future

The retailer said that it had “listened very carefully” to employees working in warehousing and distribution operations, and noted it was “clear that many increasingly feel they should be at home in the current climate”.

The group will not be taking any more online orders until further notice.

Meanwhile, TK Maxx followed suit and also announced the closure of all online operations in light of the ongoing crisis.

In a statement on its website, the retailer said: “Our associates and our communities are at the heart of the TK Maxx family, and it’s for this reason that we decided to temporarily close our TK Maxx and Homesense stores on 19 March. 

“As the situation has unfolded, we think it is necessary to stop taking orders online from today 26th March at tkmaxx.com as well. Our rewards programme, Treasure, will also be on hold from today.”

It apologised for any inconvenience caused but noted that its priority was “the wellbeing of our associates and their families”.

The retailer added that all recent orders will be processed as normal, and that its returns policy has been extended to 30 days from when its stores reopen and its website resumes operating.