Christmas
This coverage explores the critical Christmas trading period in the UK retail sector, focusing on sales performance, promotional strategies, consumer trends, supply chain planning, and operational challenges. Reporting highlights how retailers prepare for and execute peak season campaigns to maximise revenue and manage demand. Designed for executives and managers, it provides insights into effective planning and competitive positioning during the festive season.
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Oct- 2020 -23 OctoberEconomy
UK retail sales grow for fifth month in a row
Retail sales in the UK have risen for the fifth consecutive month, despite the introduction of the tiered lockdown system, according to the latest figures released by the ONS. Last month, overall growth in sales volume was up 5.5% compared with February’s pre-pandemic levels. In the three months to the…
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22 OctoberOnline & Digital
Gear4music full-year results to be ‘ahead of expectations’
Gear4music has revealed its full year results will likely be ahead of expectations after it experienced strong sales growth in its first and second quarters. The online musical instrument retailer saw its total sales rise 42% to £70.2m in the six months to 30 September, after UK sales increased by…
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9 OctoberHigh Street
Retailers record best monthly in-store sales since February
High street sales in September recorded the best monthly in-store results since before Covid-19 began in February, according to new figures. BDO, an accountancy and business advisory firm, said sales at the beginning of September were the second-best weekly total since early March. Sales rose by 65.1% in September compared…
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Sep- 2020 -30 SeptemberOnline & Digital
Studio reveals strong autumn retail performance
Studio Retail Group has reported strong retail trading in the early weeks of its autumn season, with gifting and early Christmas ranges performing well. The company’s product sales have grown by 30% in the six weeks since the announcement of its full year results on 24 August. First half product…
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28 SeptemberCoronavirus
John Lewis launches new virtual Christmas shop for consumers
Earlier this month John Lewis announced a £635m pre-tax loss for the half-year period ended July 2020. The department store chain is allowing shoppers to ‘walk-through’ its flagship Oxford Circus store and see emerging trends for the Christmas period. John Lewis has also revealed that customers are shopping for Christmas…
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25 SeptemberCoronavirus
Thousands of ‘traditional’ retail jobs in danger, says Next boss
Next boss Simon Wolfson warned that thousands of “traditional” retail jobs are now in danger under the chancellor’s new “viability” focus. Speaking in an interview with BBC News’ business editor Simon Jack, Lord Wolfson said he did “not want to underestimate the difficulty” for “a lot of people who work…
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23 SeptemberClothing & Shoes
Joules welcomes ‘encouraging’ performance despite lower sales
Joules has announced that revenue performance was “ahead of expectations” at £39.6m in the 13 weeks ended 30 August 2020. Overall group revenue was down by 18% in the period, however, reflecting the impact of store closures, as well as the disruption seen across its wholesale business. While retail revenue…
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21 SeptemberComment
The window of opportunity for pop-ups
The Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent events of this year have exacerbated the ongoing decline of the British high street, with footfall falling by 81% in April and 48% in July, according to the British Retail Consortium. From John Lewis to Carphone Warehouse to House of Fraser, it seems that no…
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17 SeptemberCoronavirus
John Lewis scraps staff bonus amid £635m pre-tax loss
Department store chain John Lewis Partnership has slashed its staff bonus for the first time since 1953, aftering reporting a £635m pre-tax loss for the half-year period ended July 2020. As result, the Partnership board has confirmed that there will not be a bonus next year given its profit outlook.…
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16 SeptemberDepartment Stores
Nectar points given with Argos purchases for first time
Sainsbury’s has revealed that Nectar points will now be offered with Argos purchases for the first time ever. The supermarket chain, which acquired Argos in 2016, confirmed that Nectar card members will be able to earn points from purchasing Argos products and points will be doubled between 18 September and…
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