One of the West of England’s largest independent men’s fashion retailers is surviving the coronavirus lockdown after securing government-backed bank funding from Barclays. 
Peasedown St John-based John Anthony has been forced to close its five outlets, which sell designer menswear, pictured, including its store on Bath’s High Street.
While it has been able to generate some online sales to its loyal customer base, it needed funding to meet its fixed costs and overcome the loss of revenue from its high street stores.
John Anthony director Mark Brewer described the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) as “a lifeline” for the firm, which opened its first store in Swindon in 1979.
“Barclays has supported us over recent times – even before Covid-19 hit – by helping us to shape and move the company forward,” he said.
“The CBLIS funding will provide a lifeline in what are very uncertain times and to plan ahead for when the lockdown restrictions are eased and consumers can once again shop on the high street.”
Barclays Bath relationship director Martin Crook, who put together the funding package for the deal, added: “We’ve worked with John Anthony since 2011 and have supported their growth over the years so we have a strong relationship and understanding of their business.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has been so tough on businesses and retailers in particular. However, our strong relationship enabled us to move quickly to support the business so that they can still operate albeit online and prepare for the future through these extraordinary times.”
John Anthony’s stores, which are in at prime locations in Bath, Bristol, Bournemouth. Southampton and Swindon, stock more than 50 global brands including Stone Island, Dsquared, Paul Smith and Vivienne Westwood, alongside more niche brands such as ETQ Amsterdam.
The government-backed Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) is available for firms with a group turnover of up to £45m.
