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.
-
Apr- 2020 -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…
Read More » -
2 AprilCoronavirus
Chancellor set to announce overhaul to SME loan scheme
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reportedly set to announce an overhaul to the SME loan scheme that will allow companies to access help quicker. According to Sky News, Sunak and members of the Treasury were reportedly in talks with major lenders, including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group and Royal Bank of…
Read More » -
2 AprilSupermarkets
Covid-19: Tesco to provide £30m package to support local communities
Tesco has announced plans to provide a £30m package of support for local communities tackling Covid-19, including a £25m food donations programme. The ‘Big Four’ grocer is currently donating £3m of food every month through its Community Food Connection scheme and distribution centres. In addition to that, over the next…
Read More » -
2 AprilNews
Frasers Group to cut bosses’ salary to £40k amid April pay pledge
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has reportedly reduced the salary of its executive team to £40,000 and has pledged to pay all his staff up until the end of April. According to The Times, the executive team has taken a voluntary pay cut in a “show of support towards securing the…
Read More » -
2 AprilCoronavirus
Pets at Home to beat guidance amid spiked demand
Pets at Home has revealed that its closing weeks of full-year trading saw “exceptional levels of demand” amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. In the period ended 26 March 2020, existing customers increased their average basket size, whilst new customers have accessed its pet products and healthcare services. Trading was largely…
Read More » -
2 AprilHigh Street
The Perfume Shop shuts online operations, affecting over 1,800 jobs
Fragrance retailer The Perfume Shop has announced the closure of its online operations amid the coronavirus outbreak, affecting over 1,800 jobs. The company, which had closed its 231 stores late last month following government guidelines that all shops would have to close, except those selling essential items, said it has…
Read More » -
1 AprilCoronavirus
A fifth of SMEs at risk of collapse, say experts
Almost a fifth of SMEs will not survive the coronavirus crisis, according to new findings from the Corporate Finance Network. The group predicted that the closures would take place within the next four weeks despite government support measures, as the pandemic continues to unfold and affect retail. The network, which…
Read More » -
1 AprilHigh Street
JD Sports to withhold quarterly rent amid Covid-19 lockdown
Sports fashion retailer JD Sports has announced it is withholding its quarterly rent in bid to mitigate the effects of the UK lockdown. According to The Guardian, JD Sports has not paid the rent due for its 390 stores, and is reportedly in discussions with the next bill due in…
Read More » -
1 AprilPeople Moves
New Look appoints Stuart MacKenzue as non-executive director
New Look has announced the appointment of Stuart MacKenzie to its board of directors, as a non-executive member, amid the coronavirus outbreak. Mackenzie first joined New Look in 2015, where he held the role of non-executive chairman and became a non-executive director in 2017. As a board member, Gnodde also…
Read More » -
1 AprilCoronavirus
Shop prices slide amid UK lockdown, says BRC
The price of shop goods slipped by 0.8% in March, down from 0.6% the month prior, according to the latest BRC-Nielsen Shop Price Index. In the same month, non-food prices fell by 1.9%, which marked the highest rate of decline in non-food prices since May 2018. The lowered prices were…
Read More »
