The 'fortress firms' best placed to weather the coronavirus crisis

Big supermarkets such as Tesco and M&S likely to get boost from 'essential retailer' status

As the corporate and economic toll of the coronavirus outbreak mounts, it is clear that some winners will also emerge from the crisis, including supermarkets and others such as Marks & Spencer that are likely to be given "essential retailer" status.

If the UK government follows in the footsteps of other countries such as France, where only supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, petrol stations and hairdressers are allowed to stay open, a handful of retailers could eventually benefit.

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