While COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the UK’s retail sector, it should not come as a surprise to see the high street in peril. Even prior to the outbreak, retailers had endured a torrid twelve months – a poor Christmas period had led into a traditionally weaker opening to the New Year. When lockdown hit in March, retail was about to hit a key season, which is now lost in its entirety, and given the weather it could have supplied a real boost.