Fears for Sheffield shops as H&M to close 170 stores including Monki branches

The company said that sales dived by a quarter in June.

CRIME: No arrests yet over stabbing of teenage boy on Sheffield estate

The retailer reopened hundreds of its UK stores last month after the Government gave non-essential retailers the green light to welcome customers again.

LATEST: Gunman remains at large after boy, 16, is shot in Sheffield street

The company has not confirmed how many of the closures, which will be across Europe, could affect its 300 UK stores.

H&M said in its second quarter report to investors that it has increased its previously announced closure plans by around 40 after feeling the impact of the virus across Europe.

But the group does still intend to open 130 new stores elsewhere during the current year.

At the end of June, H&M said that 350 of its stores, representing seven per cent of all sites, were still closed as a result of the pandemic.

Helena Helmersson, chief executive officer of the group, said: “I am full of admiration for our employees' commitment, drive and perseverance during this very challenging time.

“As we have reopened our stores, sales have begun to recover at a faster rate than expected.

“To meet the rapid changes in customer behaviour caused by Covid-19 we are accelerating our digital development, optimising the store portfolio and further integrating the channels.

“With our ambitious sustainability work we want to continue to lead fashion retail towards a more sustainable future.”

H&M has stores in Sheffield city centre, Meadowhall, Parkgate in Rotherham, the Frenchgate Centre in Doncaster and Cortonwood retail park in Barnsley.