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 -7 AprilSupermarkets
Tesco to launch NHS Nightingale pop-up stores
‘Big 4’ grocer Tesco has announced plans to open pop-up convenience stores at NHS Nightingale sites across the UK, amid the coronavirus pandemic. The NEC in Birmingham has been selected as Tesco’s first NHS Nightingale Hospital pop-up store, which is due to open later this week. Discussions are also in…
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7 AprilCoronavirus
WH Smith raises £166m through share placing
WH Smith has raised £166m through a share placing in efforts to shore up its finances amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. A total of 15,751,826 new ordinary shares were placed at 1050p per share, with existing and new investors. The move raised a total of £165.9m for the group. The…
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6 AprilCoronavirus
Debenhams appoints FRP as administrator
Debenhams has announced its intent to appoint an administrator in order to “protect” the business from creditors during the coronavirus outbreak. It is believed the move will work to prevent liquidation while its 142 UK stores remain closed in line with government advice amid the ongoing pandemic. The news closely…
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6 AprilCoronavirus Featured Content
Coronavirus and the Retail Property Sector
Coronavirus continues to spread across the world and many countries have now established strict social distancing measures to halt its transmission. This includes government requirements in the UK that all non-essential businesses close their doors for the foreseeable future. While the effects of the virus can be felt in every…
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6 AprilCoronavirus
Temporary store closures due to coronavirus lead to 14% drop in retail jobs
The UK job market has been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak, with retail jobs dropping by 14% in March, when comparing data with the previous year, according to the latest report from CV-Library. The study, which explores job market data from March 2020 and compares this with figures from…
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3 AprilCoronavirus
Debenhams readying to appoint administrators amid Covid-19
Department store chain Debenhams is reportedly set to enter administration for the second time in a year in order to protect the business from creditors during the coronavirus outbreak. According to Sky News, the embattled retailer could file for administration as early as next week, with ‘Big Four’ accountancy firm…
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3 AprilCoronavirus
Chancellor unveils new measures to SME loan scheme
Chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak has unveiled a major overhaul to his previously announced SME loan scheme. Initially, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) was aimed at businesses unable to secure regular commercial financing as the virus took its toll on the UK’s economy. However, according to Sky…
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3 AprilHealth & Beauty
Boots reports 18% decrease in operating income amid Covid-19 virus outbreak
Health and beauty retailer Boots has reported a 18.7% decrease in operating income to $1.2bn (£973m) as a result of the Covid-19 virus pandemic. In its six months to 29 February, Boots reported its sales increased by 3.7% to $35.8bn (£29.1bn), as operating income decreased by 12% to $1.7bn (£1.38bn).…
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3 AprilClothing & Shoes
Primark execs take 50% pay cut
Primark bosses have revealed that they will slash their pay in half in light of the ongoing coronavirus crisis. George Weston, chief executive of parent group Associated British Foods, and finance director John Bason have both requested that their base pay be reduced by 50% on a temporary basis. Paul…
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2 AprilCoronavirus Featured Content
Coronavirus changing UK’s shopping habits, survey reveals
A new weekly survey has revealed how UK consumers’ relationships with a range of sectors is “changing” as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Coronavirus UK Consumer Tracker from research firm Rare analysed in-store and online purchasing behaviour in the retail, grocery, DIY, beauty, entertainment and alcohol sectors. Compiled…
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