Coronavirus
This coverage analyses the impact of coronavirus on the UK retail industry, focusing on operational challenges, government measures, financial pressures, workforce management, and shifts in consumer behaviour. Reporting provides insights into how retailers responded to closures, safety protocols, supply chain disruptions, and evolving customer needs — helping executives and managers assess lessons learned and long-term changes.
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Jul- 2020 -31 JulyCoronavirus
ScS reports ‘strong’ growth in lockdown-sales
Furniture retailer ScS has said trading has been “very strong” both in-store and online, since the reopening of its stores following the coronavirus lockdown, reporting a 92.2% increase in orders since 24 May. However, ScS reported a 92.5% drop in sales during the lockdown period as stores were temporarily closed.…
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29 JulyDIY
Travis Perkins reports 20% HY sales decline
DIY retailer Travis Perkins has revealed that like-for-like half-year sales declined by 20% across the group due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Overall, Travis Perkins reported group revenue for the first six months of 2020 was £2.78bn, down from £3.48bn in 2019, attributed to the “significant impact” of…
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28 JulyDepartment Stores
Selfridges to axe 450 roles
Selfridges has outlined plans to cut 450 roles across its business, equating to a 14% reduction of its total headcount. Managing director, Anne Pitcher, warned staff of the proposed redundancies as the group predicted “significantly less” sales in the coming year. Pitcher reportedly told staff that those currently placed on…
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28 JulyDepartment Stores
Harrods boss warns tourists may not return until 2022
The managing director of the iconic department store Harrods has warned that US and Asian tourists may not return until 2022 after the store revealed a significant drop in the number of visitors to the store. According to The Telegraph, Ward, speaking to investment bank Jeffiries, revealed the number of…
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27 JulyClothing & Shoes
Arcadia on verge of launching restructuring process
Arcadia is reportedly set to launch a restructuring process just a year after it pushed from a CVA proposal, as it battles to overcome the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic. According to the Sunday Times, the retail group owned by Sir Philip Green has presented a cost-cutting plan to…
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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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21 JulyClothing & Shoes
Jigsaw mulls potential sale
Jigsaw has reportedly drafted in advisors to lead a strategic review of the fashion chain, which could see the business change hands in a potential sale. According to Sky News, the retailer’s board will work alongside two firms of advisers to oversee rent negotiations with landlords and seek out prospective…
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20 JulyCoronavirus Featured Content
Post-lockdown: keeping business afloat
Lawyers predict that 1 in 10 SMEs is set to collapse post-lockdown. This harsh reality means burying heads in sand is not an option and steps – some difficult – must be taken sooner rather than later to protect against the looming slump. Recent news that household names such as…
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20 JulyCoronavirus
Harvey Nichols warns staff of redundancies
Harvey Nichols has reportedly warned staff they may be facing a slew of redundancies in the wake of coronavirus. According to the Times, chief executive Manju Malhotra warned “there may be staff redundancies at all locations” in an email sent to 1,500 staff, adding that the crisis would “change the…
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20 JulyCoronavirus
‘Hundreds’ of jobs to be axed at M&S
Marks and Spencer is expected to announce a raft of job cuts this week, becoming the latest high street casualty in the wake of Covid-19. According to Sky News, the retailer will unveil its widespread redundancy plan “within days”, with hundreds of jobs expected to be axed. It comes as…
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