Major retailers have called on the Morrison government to order a total shutdown of all non-essential stores and services including shopping centres or risk causing more damage to a sector already struggling to stay afloat.

Premier Investments, footwear retailer Accent Group, jewellery chain Lovisa, menswear retailer Retail Apparel Group and APG & Co, which owns Saba, Sportscraft and Jag, have joined Michael Hill and Mosaic Brands in closing all their Australian stores.