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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Apr- 2020 -15 AprilCoronavirus
Retail footfall freefalls 83% over Easter weekend
Footfall across UK retail bricks-and-mortar destinations was 83.1% lower than Easter weekend last year and 14.5% lower than over the same four days in the previous week, according to the latest data from Springboard. The data and intelligence group said that the findings show the public adhered to government lockdown…
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14 AprilCoronavirus
Oasis and Warehouse set to call in administrators
Fashion retailers Oasis and Warehouse are reportedly set to appoint administrators, placing around 2,000 jobs at risk. According to Sky News, The Oasis and Warehouse Group, which is owned by Icelandic lender Kaupthing, is set to appoint Deloitte as administrators in the coming days. It comes after a potential sale…
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14 AprilCoronavirus
Co-op launches fund to help raise £30m for those hit by Covid-19
Co-op CEO Steve Murrells is to direct his own personal income to kick-start a new Co-op Members Fund, which will be channelled into foodbanks, a funeral hardship fund and front-line community causes. The Co-op boss said he will be donating 20% of his salary over a three-month period into the…
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14 AprilHigh Street
Matalan owner reportedly seeking £60m amid store closures
The owner of Matalan, John Hargreaves, is reportedly seeking a cash injection of £60m to support the fashion retailer through the Covid-19 pandemic, after the group was “forced” to close its 232 stores. According to the Mail on Sunday, a statement issued to bondholders claimed the retailer had not faced…
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14 AprilCoronavirus
Covid-19: Amazon seeks 75,000 new hires
Amazon announced that it is looking to hire an additional 75,000 employees across its operations in light of the ongoing coronavirus crisis. The group said that it continues to see “increased demand” as its teams support communities amid the ongoing pandemic, and for this reason will create the additional 75,000…
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14 AprilCoronavirus
Next reopens online operations amid Covid-19 crisis
Next has announced the reopening of its website after a two-week shut down amid the coronavirus pandemic. The company made the decision to temporarily cease online orders on 26 March after concerns about the health and safety of its warehouse employees were raised. The fashion retailer will resume online operations…
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9 AprilCoronavirus
AAB calls on government to enhance support for businesses
Accountancy firm Anderson Anderson and Brown (AAB) has called on the UK Government to implement a series of “wide-reaching” measures aimed at helping businesses to survive the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Lyn Calder, managing partner and also the firm’s head of deals for the Central Belt in Scotland,…
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9 AprilSupermarkets
Tesco defends £635m dividend payout
‘Big Four’ grocer Tesco has defended its £635m dividend payout to shareholders, despite it receiving a £585m tax break. Last night (8 April), the company’s board approved a final dividend of 6.50p, bringing the full-year dividend to 9.15p. According to the Guardian, Tesco chairman John Allan said paying its shareholders…
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9 AprilCoronavirus Featured Content
Coronavirus: furloughed workers and what it means for business
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is designed to help businesses that would otherwise be forced to lay off staff in the face of the unprecedented disruption caused by COVID-19. All businesses with a PAYE scheme in place on 28 February 2020, regardless of size or sector, will be able to…
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9 AprilClothing & Shoes
H&M signs new £859m credit facility to strengthen liquidity amid Covid-19
Swedish clothing retailer H&M has revealed it has signed a new €980m (£859m) revolving credit facility as it looks to strengthen its liquidity amid the coronavirus outbreak. H&M said it is a 12 month deal with a six months extension option and is in addition to the company’s undrawn €700m…
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