Several retailers with stores across the ANZ market have voluntarily closed stores in Australia after being forced to shut during New Zealand’s four-week lockdown, which started last night.

Premier Investments, the owner of Smiggle, Peter Alexander, Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Portmans, Jacqui E and Dotti, is temporarily closing all stores in Australia from 6pm today, March 26, and standing down most of its employees except for a small number of people required to perform limited essential work.

The company has already closed stores in New Zealand, the UK and Ireland, and laid off over 9000 employees globally.

Lovisa has also announced the indefinite closure of stores in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, effective today.

Hallenstein Glasson is closing its Australian stores at 5pm today, and Accent Group is closing its entire store network for four weeks from 5pm on Friday, March 28.

Over 500 Hype DC, Platypus, The Athlete’s Foot and The Trybe stores will close, and all retail store staff and most support office staff will be stood down without pay.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Michael Hill and Noni B owner Mosaic Brands have also announced sweeping store closures.