Accessibility
This coverage examines accessibility issues and initiatives within the UK retail sector, focusing on inclusive store design, digital access, workforce practices, and regulatory developments. Reporting highlights how retailers address the needs of disabled customers and employees, offering insights for managers, executives, and professionals committed to improving accessibility and compliance in retail environments.
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Sep- 2021 -7 SeptemberHigh Street
Drive for net zero could harm high street accessibility, says Bira
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has raised concerns over the impacts that local councils’ drive to achieve net zero could have on independent retailers. The industry body claimed that despite being “committed” to supporting its members in acting sustainable, it is “concerned” that schemes introduced by local authorities could…
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Jul- 2021 -14 JulyAdvice
Closing the feedback gap during the rise of eCommerce
Gone are the days where online retail was solely for large resellers. With more brands launching online versions of their stores over recent years, shoppers have seen huge growth in e-commerce. A boom further caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, pushing people to shop online, rather than in-store. With this trend…
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May- 2021 -26 MayAnalysis
Mind the gap: plugging the physical disconnect in a digital-first retail era
It is no exaggeration to say that the past 12 months have turned the retail environment on its head. As consumers slowly start to rise above the parapet and lockdown restrictions ease, retailers are having to overcome the physical disconnect between themselves and their customers. With retail moving almost entirely…
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Feb- 2021 -5 FebruaryComment
Top of the shops – retail trends to drive success in 2021
2020 was clearly a challenging year for the retail sector. However the shake up from the global pandemic means massive change in the industry, bringing with it potential benefits for retailers and consumers alike. Change is the only constant and the brands that are set to thrive in 2021 will…
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Dec- 2020 -2 DecemberAdvice
Why we should be focussing on repurposing and not death of the high street
For several years, there has been a very evident and well publicised demise of local high streets as they struggle to compete with the ease and efficiency of online shopping. This has led to what is commonly termed the ‘death of the high street’. According to research from the Local…
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Jul- 2020 -22 JulyComment
Ensuring digital accessibility is part of the retail journey
The rapid acceleration of digital transformation has been one of the most remarkable aspects of the global response to the coronavirus pandemic, with people literally Zooming to stay in touch and accessing online products and services in unprecedented numbers. There is little doubt that the coronavirus has dealt a devastating…
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Jun- 2020 -2 JuneClothing & Shoes
Reiss announces phased reopening of stores
British clothing brand Reiss has announced a phased reopening of a select number of UK stores, effective 15 June 2020. Reiss said following a “successful reopening” of select stores in Europe, the initial phase for the UK will see the brand reopen 26 stores across the country, including both stand-alone…
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Feb- 2020 -20 FebruaryComment
Mindfulness in omnichannel retail – the key to a successful future
Mindfulness and being more conscientious about the impact of retail operations is fast becoming a top business priority for online brands, and one we will continue to see develop in 2020. With 88% of consumers wanting retailers to help them make a difference, being aware of the implications that retail…
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4 FebruaryHigh Street
Ikea reveals plans to shutter first UK store, 352 jobs at risk
Ikea UK has announced the proposed closure of its Coventry store in summer 2020, putting 352 jobs at risk. The Coventry store, one of 22 Ikea stores in the UK, was built in 2007 in the city centre one of the earliest examples of the company testing a “new format…
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Dec- 2019 -2 DecemberOnline & Digital
Disabled customers ‘shut out’ from online shopping
Disabled people are being “shut out” from digital world by inaccessible websites and apps, claims disability charity Scope. The charity said that those with disabilities were being “penalised for being disabled”. Businesses are also missing out on “billions of pounds” from potential customers through the use of inaccessible platforms, it…
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