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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Mar- 2022 -31 MarchEconomy
UK GDP rebounds 1.3% in Q4 FY21
The UK’ gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to have increased by 1.3% in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2021 between October to December, meaning UK GDP is now 0.1% below pre-Covid levels. Annual GDP in 2021 is now estimated to have increased by a revised 7.4% compared to the…
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25 MarchEconomy
Retail sales volumes fall 0.3% in February, ONS says
Retail sales volumes fell by 0.3% in February 2022 following a rise of 1.9% in January 2022, according to the latest figures from ONS, with sales volumes at 3.7% above their pre-coronavirus (Covid-19) February 2020 levels. Non-store retailing sales volumes fell by 4.8% over the month following strong growth in…
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18 MarchNews
UK vacancy rates decrease for the first time since 2018
In H2 2021, the national vacancy rate declined by 0.1% from H1 2021, landing at 14.4% – the first decline in the UK vacancy rate since 2018, according to analysis by the Local Data Company (LDC). It revealed Britain’s retail and leisure sector is “stabilising” following the Covid-19 pandemic. The…
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15 MarchOnline & Digital
Annual quest to find the UK’s fastest growing online retailers begins
Despite restrictions easing, the pandemic appears to have altered our shopping habits forever. The boom in online shopping during the coronavirus pandemic has seen many of us become increasingly more comfortable shopping online, with global e-commerce jumping to $26.7trn (£20.4trn). New data from Brightpearl, a popular operating system for retailers,…
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Feb- 2022 -22 FebruaryCoronavirus
Gov’s living with Covid strategy ‘first step to normality’, says CBI
The CBI has called the government’s ‘living with Covid’ plan the “first step to normality” but warned that businesses still need further guidance on issues such as sick pay and employer liability. The news comes after prime minister Boris Johnson announced yesterday (21 February) that the legal requirement for people…
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18 FebruaryEconomy
Overseas appetite soars for UK retail sector M&A
Overseas interest has created a surge in deal activity in the UK retail sector in 2021, with overseas acquirors presenting 43% of deals across the year, which is reportedly the highest level of activity seen in a decade. According to research from Grant Thornton UK, this is a “significant” increase…
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18 FebruaryEconomy
End of free Covid tests will harm workers, Union warns
Ending free tests and self-isolation rules, along with no masks, represents a “triple whammy” for Covid safety in stores, according to Usdaw Shoppers Union. It comes after news that government ministers are planning to stop supplies of coronavirus tests to universities in England, in the first case of ending the…
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18 FebruaryNews
Retail sales up 1.9% in January 2022
Retail sales volumes rose by 1.9% in January 2022 following a fall of 4.0% in December 2021, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics. It also revealed sales volumes were 3.6% above their pre-coronavirus (Covid-19) February 2020 levels. Non-food stores sales rose by 3.4% as home…
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11 FebruaryEconomy
UK GDP rises 7.5% in 2021, largest increase since WW2
The UK economy increased by a “better-than-expected” 7.5% in 2021 to record the “fastest” incline since the Second World War, following the 9.4% contraction in 2020. Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), shows that the UK is on track to be the “fastest growing economy” in the…
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Jan- 2022 -21 JanuaryCoronavirus
December retail sales dented by Omicron
Retail sales across the UK were dampened by the impact of Omicron last month, as volumes of sales fell by 3.7% in December 2021, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics. While this was the largest monthly fall since January 2021, which saw a decline of…
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