Selfridges, Liberty Close Today As Burberry Pulls London Fashion Week Show

Department stores Selfridges and Liberty are the highest profile U.K. retailers to have closed their doors today as businesses pay tribute to the passing of the Queen.

Meanwhile, Burberry has announced that its scheduled London Fashion Week show would no longer go ahead as a “mark of respect” to the Queen.

London had been gearing up to host its biggest Fashion Week in almost three years, scheduled Thursday September 15 thru 19. The British Fashion Council said that London Fashion Week will still go ahead, but will be a pared down.

Liberty London will not reopen its store in the West End of London until Saturday morning, and said: “Our heartfelt sympathy and thoughts are with the Royal Family at this sad time. As a mark of respect Liberty Store will be closed until Saturday 10th September at 10am while we join the country in mourning.”

Selfridges’ London, Birmingham and Manchester stores will remain closed all day after shutting their doors early yesterday after the Queen’s death was announced. They will reopen on Saturday September 10 with its usual opening hours.

The department store chain said: “Queen Elizabeth has been a reassuring constant throughout our lives, ascending to the throne on 6 February 1952, making her the longest-reigning monarch in British history.

“Over the past 70 years, her Majesty has been dedicated to the service of our country and the Commonwealth, demonstrating an enormous sense of duty and commitment. Our thoughts are very much with the Royal Family at this time, as the country comes together to pay tribute and remember Queen Elizabeth II.”

The statement added: “Please note, our stores will be closing early this evening, on the 8th September at 8pm. Our stores will remain closed all day on Friday 9th September and reopen on Saturday 10th September with our usual opening hours.”

U.K. Retail Groups Mourn Queen

The announcement came as some of the U.K.’s major retail groups, including Marks & Spencer and Knightsbridge-based department store Harrods, paid tribute following the 96-year-old monarch’s death.

Marks & Spencer said: “We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. She’s led for over 70 years with quiet determination and selfless devotion.

“We join the Royal Family and the nation in their grief and offer the Royal Family our heartfelt condolences.”

M&S chief executive Stuart Machin described the Queen as “our nation’s strength and stay. Our rock.”

Partner retailers John Lewis and Waitrose both tweeted: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty The Queen. She faithfully served the nation as our sovereign during her long, happy and glorious reign. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Royal Family.”

The U.K.’s biggest retailer Tesco said: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family, as we mourn the loss of our longest-serving British monarch. We are indebted to her dedicated service to this country.”

They were among a host of retailers who issued similar statement, while industry body the British Retail Consortium said: “The retail industry joins the world in mourning the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family. Her loss will be felt across the country and she will be greatly missed.”

Retail Observes Royal Protocol

Official guidance from the Government states: “There is no obligation on organisations to suspend business during the National Mourning period [now entered for ten days].

“Depending on the nature and location of their business and the tone of planned events, some businesses may wish to consider closing or postponing events, especially on the day of the State Funeral, however this is at the discretion of individual businesses.”

The date of the Queen’s funeral is yet to be confirmed but it likely to be on or around September 19 and could be declared a Bank Holiday. It is widely expected that many more retailers may decide to close their doors on the day, as a mark of respect for the U.K.’s longest-serving monarch.