Coronavirus: Laura Ashley announces store closures with 721 staff set to lose jobs

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy British fashion and home furnishing company Laura Ashley announced the permanent closure of 70 stores on Monday, putting 721 jobs at risk as the struggling retailer brought in administrators to help repay its debts. “Since my appointment just last month, I have shared my vision for the future of this brand, accompanied with a robust turnaround plan to set the future direction of the company and return Laura Ashley to the great British brand that is known and cherished around the world,” Ms Poulter said. She added: "However, I remain hopeful there is a buyer out there who shares my vision and can see the enormous potential of this iconic British brand that is known and loved around the world.” Laura Ashley – which has 2,700 employees – filed for administration on 17 March after failing to secure £15 million of emergency cash to stay afloat. Flat growth is expected in the second half of the year, the firm said, adding that a protracted outbreak of Covid-19 could also result in a more severe impact than the 2008-09 downturn.