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- 2020 -26 MarchCoronavirus
Intu receives only third of rent
Intu revealed that it has received only 29% of its second quarter rent that was due from tenants on 25 March. For the same period last year, it had received 77% on the quarter day, and the group is now in discussions with its customers regarding the outstanding rents. In…
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26 MarchComment
Preventing inevitable recession from becoming depression
The global economy is heading into a recession, initially at least a pretty severe one. The measures introduced by governments in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus are having a dramatic effect on huge swathes of economic activity. There is the direct loss of output and employment…
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26 MarchClothing & Shoes
Arcadia ends fixed-term contracts early in view of Covid-19
Philip Green’s Arcadia Group has reportedly informed its employees that it will be ending fixed-term contracts early as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. In a letter seen by Drapers, the fashion retailer said that the retail industry has been “significantly impacted” by high levels of “consumer uncertainty” and as…
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26 MarchCoronavirus
Superdrug to stay open amid coronavirus outbreak
Health and beauty retailer Superdrug has revealed its new measures to protect its employees and customers amid the coronavirus pandemic. Superdrug has also confirmed its stores will remain open following the government announcement to close all non-essential services. In an email sent to customers, Superdrug’s CEO Peter Macnab said the…
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26 MarchClothing & Shoes
Asos ‘playing Russian roulette’ with employees, says GMB Union
Asos has been accused of “playing Russian roulette with people’s lives” by the GMB Union, one of the largest trade unions in the UK and Ireland. The union claims that social distancing has not been enforced in the fashion retailer’s “packed” warehouses amid the coronavirus pandemic. It is now calling…
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25 MarchSport & Leisure
Government urges Sports Direct and JD Wetherspoon to support employees
Boris Johnson has warned Sports Direct CEO Mike Ashley to “expect consequences” if he does not follow the recent guidelines amid the coronavirus outbreak. Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah raised the question during today’s Prime Minister’s Questions after reports that Ashley was still asking employees to still come to work…
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25 MarchCoronavirus
20,000 stores could close this year, says Centre of Retail Research
A total of 20,620 retail stores will have shuttered by the end of the year, according to the Centre of Retail Research. In the newly-released ‘Coronavirus: Lost Lives, Lost Stores and Lost Jobs’ report, it was revealed that 4,547 more businesses would have to close their doors in 2020 compared…
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25 MarchSupermarkets
Tesco introduces social distancing measures amid Covid-19 virus outbreak
‘Big 4’ grocer Tesco has written to customers to inform them about the latest measures put in place amid the Covid-19 virus breakout. CEO Dave Lewis revealed there would be floor markings in store as well as the car park to practice social distancing when queuing. The retailer also revealed…
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25 MarchCoronavirus
Ebay and Amazon failing to prevent profiteering, says Which
Ebay and Amazon are failing to crack down on profiteering amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to Which. An investigation led by the research group found a “consistent overpricing” of household items, including cleaning products, thermometers, baby formula and tampons. The CMA had previously warned traders to not exploit panic-buying amid…
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25 MarchDepartment Stores
Fenwick closes online operations amid Covid-19 virus outbreak
Department store Fenwick has announced the temporary closure of its online operations amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Fenwick closed all its retail stores across the UK last week and has now ceased its e-commerce operations after the prime minister urged all stores selling “non-essential” products to close to help prevent…
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