coronavirus crisis and subsequent lockdowns has plunged many well-known chains even further into crisis. Experts say many shoppers who have switched to online will not return to the high street.The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) estimates 20,622 stores will close this year, compared to 16,073 in 2019.Job losses will increase to an alarming 235,704, compared to 143,128 last year, according to its figures.The CRR says shops were already facing torrid trading conditions for reasons including high costs and the rapid growth of online competition.But the national lockdown in March proved disastrous for many businesses, depriving them of their income.It has warned the high street faces the worst year since the financial crisis of 2008/9.The.
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