Nike has said it is closing all its stores in the United States, Western Europea, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to try to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Outlets will be shuttered from 16 March to 27 March, the company said in a statement.

However, stores in South Korea, Japan and most of China will continue to stay open.

The company said: "We are taking additional steps in other Nike-managed facilities, including the option to work from home."

Clothing retailer Urban Outfitters also said it was closing all of its stores worldwide until at least 28 March.

Urban Outfitters owns brands including Anthropologie and Free People.

Retailers including Macy's Inc, Saks Fifth Avenue and Gap Inc's Banana Republic sent notices to shoppers last week saying they were open for business in a move to stem losses due to a steep drop in store traffic

Reuters contributed to this report