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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Jun- 2020 -12 JuneCoronavirus
The Works aims to reopen 465 stores next week
The Works has announced it is aiming to reopen 465 stores across England, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland next week. The stationery retailer temporarily closed its stores in March due to government guidelines surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. The company said it is following government safety guidelines and each…
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11 JuneAdvice
How smart retailers are pivoting to meet the demands of consumers today
‘Hoarding’ may be the term most associated with Covid-19 consumerism, but beyond toilet paper and soap, consumer buying behavior has shifted significantly in recent months – and brands are responding. Aside from increasing inventory for what are deemed “essential” items today to meet skyrocketing demand, brands are leaning into digital…
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11 JuneEconomy
Majority of SMEs believe UK is headed for deep recession post-pandemic
Almost seven in 10 (69%) small business owners believe the UK is heading for a deep recession following the coronavirus pandemic and resulting lockdown, according to new research from FreeAgent. In addition, almost three quarters (73%) believe many small businesses will struggle to make enough money to survive and two…
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9 JuneEconomy
Consumer spending drops 26.7% year-on-year in May
Consumer spending contracted 26.7% year-on-year in May. This is according to new data from Barclaycard, which revealed that spending on essential items grew slightly by 0.9%. This was bolstered by a 24.5% rise in supermarket spend – which increased to 27% in the week preceding the VE Day weekend as…
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9 JuneHigh Street
Iceland founder and CEO take full ownership after buying 63% stake
Frozen food retailer Iceland has announced that its founder and executive chairman Sir Malcolm Walker and chief executive officer Tarsem Dhaliwal have taken full ownership after buying out the entire shareholding of the company’s sole external investor Brait. Walker and Dhaliwal have bought Brait’s shareholding in Iceland Topco, representing 63.1%…
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8 JuneCoronavirus
Usdaw opposes government plans to open supermarkets full time on Sundays
Shopworkers union Usdaw has condemned government plans to let supermarkets open for 24 hours a day on Sundays as “a slap in the face” for key workers. The news comes as the government is considering trading laws limiting supermarket Sunday opening times to six hours, in an attempt to boost…
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5 JuneCoronavirus
Victoria Secret’s UK arm falls into administration placing 800 jobs at risk
Victoria’s Secret has announced it has drafted in Deloitte advisers as its UK division has fallen into administration, putting over 800 jobs at risk. The lingerie brand confirmed it has appointed advisers to assess the impact of Covid-19 on the business as it will conduct a “light touch” administration whilst…
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5 JuneTips
Government-backed loans to UK businesses reveals horrible truth
Due to the rapid spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and the toll that it took, the world has been pushed towards fear—halting life as we know it entirely. The blow on the economy was felt all across the world, with governments all over rushing to stem the pandemic to urge…
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5 JuneCoronavirus
Online sales reach 10-year high
British retailers recorded a 10-year high for online sales in May while the continued lockdown measures kept high streets empty, according to new figures by accountancy and business advisory firm BDO. According to BDO’s High Street Sales Tracker (HSST), total like-for-like sales, consisting of both in-store and non-store sales, declined…
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4 JuneClothing & Shoes
New Look enters talks with landlords seeking turnover-based rent
High street retailer New Look has reportedly entered talks with its landlords about switching to a turnover-based rent system. According to Sky News, New Look has appointed the property agents CBRE and CWM to negotiate terms for its 500 store portfolio across the UK. Reports also suggest that if the…
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