The fashion giant said it has “implemented very extensive additional safety measures” after consulting with its staff and unions and had “successfully tested opening and taking a limited number of orders” over the Easter weekend.

Next said it was relaunching its transactional website “in a very limited way” this morning, with categories that “customers most need”, including childrenswear and homeware, initially offered.

The retailer said more ranges “may be added at a later date”.