Consumer confidence inched up in March after two straight monthly declines, even as persistent inflation, bank collapses and anxiety over a possible recession weighed on Americans.

Doing any last-minute Easter shopping?

ROANOKE, Va. – You now have fewer places to shop. As a way to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, The TJX Companies, which runs T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods and other retailers, announced on Thursday it is closing all its stores for two weeks. These closures will happen across the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. In addition to brick-and-mortar stores, the company is also temporarily closing its online businesses tjmaxx.com, marshalls.com and sierra.com during this time, as well as its distribution and fulfillment centers and offices, with associates working remotely when they can. The company plans to pay its store, distribution and office associates for two weeks during these closures.

The discount retailer has done just fine without an online store, but now is finally launching one. The latter has had an online store for several years. Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData Retail, told CNN Business that an online store for Marshalls was likely low on TJX's list because it was focused on expanding its profitable physical locations. He cautioned that TJX be careful that its online store doesn't cannibalize its stores. "One of the key things about the off-price model is that people will bargain hunt in a physical stores, which doesn't always translate online," he said.

Getty ImagesROANOKE, Va. - The wait is finally over -- Marshalls has officially launched its online store. Store officials say the site brings the Marshalls experience online, giving customers a look at merchandise. On the site, the categories are similar to what they are in store -- ladies, mens, kids apparel, footwear, home, accessories, beauty and more. Just like every Marshalls carries different products, the website will also have its own assortment of merchandise. The site also features some interactive features, including "swipe to shop," curated shops and influencer and shopper finds.