British high street reeling as another 5,000 jobs go – ZAWYA

British high street reeling as another 5,000 jobs go – ZAWYA

British high street reeling as another 5,000 jobs go | ZAWYA MENA Edition HomeEconomyGlobalArticleBritish high street reeling as another 5,000 jobs go British brands including John Lewis and Harrods have announced thousands of job cuts    FILE PHOTO: A logo of the British chemist chain, Boots, is seen in central London October 3, 2005./File Photo/File PhotoLONDON - Two of the biggest names on the British high street said they would cut more than 5,000 jobs on Thursday after conceding that customers were unlikely to return to their old ways after the COVID-19 crisis upended retail.Health and beauty chain Boots, owned by Walgreens Boots Alliance , said it would cut 4,000 jobs and close 48 optician stores after shopper numbers plunged 85% in April at the height of the coronavirus lockdown. John Lewis, middle England's favourite department store, said it would close eight stores and lose a possible 1,300 jobs after it predicted that online sales would make up to 70% of its total sales this year and next, from 40% prior to the crisis.Health and beauty chain Boots, owned by Walgreens Boots Alliance , said it would cut 4,000 jobs and close 48 optician stores after shopper numbers plunged 85% in