CORONAVIRUS has been devastating for so many reasons. Of course it has taken a huge toll on our health and taken many lives, but our economy is also on its knees due to the virus. A number of non-essential businesses suffered financial losses when lockdowns meant they could not open. The crisis has been hard on so many businesses, in hospitality and retail, from small independents to big name brands, and there could be further long-lasting effects.
Here we look at some of the businesses in north Essex which have been casualties of the pandemic:
1. Paxman Colchester s historic Paxman factory will close its doors in the spring after its owners said Covid had hit its business.
Asos confirmed a £265 million takeover of four Arcadia brands - Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT. The move will see the online clothing giant take on 300 members of staff but all of the stores will close permanently, including Colchester’s Topshop, in Lion Walk Shopping Centre. The news is another big blow for Colchester town centre and follows hot on the heels of the announcement department shop Debenhams, in Culver Street West, will also close. Other retailers including the likes of Paperchase and Edinburgh Woollen Mill are also under threat. So we asked you which big names you would like to see coming to Colchester in the future.
The Jumbo is one of the landmarks featured in the books
- Credit: Su Anderson
Some of Colchester s most famous landmarks are to feature in a special colouring book created by the town s MP.
Will Quince teamed up with Lion Walk Shopping Centre to bring families across Colchester a free community project that will launch on Friday, February 5.
There are two differing project workbooks on offer entitled “Discover Colchester” that are free for families to download and print at home.
The Jumbo, Colchester Zoo, Colchester Castle and Colchester Garrison are among the landmarks featured in the books.
They will also be sent to all primary schools and hard copies will be made available free of charge from Boots in town which can be collected as part of an essential shop.
Published:
3:12 PM February 1, 2021
Updated:
5:12 PM February 1, 2021
A man walks past the former Topshop flagship store at Oxford Circus, London.
- Credit: KIRSTY O CONNOR/PA WIRE
Topshop stores across Suffolk and north Essex will not reopen when the lockdown ends after ASOS bought the fashion brand.
The stores located in Ipswich s Sailmakers shopping centre, the Arc shopping centre in Bury St Edmunds and in Colchester s Lion Walk Shopping Centre will close after the online giant purchased Topshop s brand, stock and intellectual property but not its 70 stores.
ASOS paid £330million for Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT. The funds will go to the creditors of the former Arcadia group.