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- 2021 -14 AprilAdvice
A repackaged retail strategy – How FMCG brands are innovating to stay ahead
The FMCG category has been buffeted by unprecedented change over the past year with huge disruption to traditional routes to market and dramatically altered customer behaviour. With consumers stuck at home, brands have been forced to overhaul long-running product distribution strategies and completely rethink marketing plans for product launches. Encouragingly…
Read More » -
Mar- 2021 -31 MarchGovernment
Retail leaders call for ‘Shop Out to Help Out’ scheme
The Save the Street campaign, supported by the British Fashion Council and retail expert Mary Portas, is calling for the government to adopt an incentive scheme similar to its ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ initiative last summer. Founded by Ross Bailey, CEO and founder of Appear Here, the campaign represents…
Read More » -
26 MarchEconomy
Retail sales begin to recover in February
Retail sales volumes witnessed a partial recovery in February with an increase of 2.1% when compared with the 8.2% fall seen in the previous month, according to the latest figures from the ONS. In total, sales were still down by 3.7% against last year before the impact of the coronavirus…
Read More » -
18 MarchHigh Street
Wilko key workers prepare to strike amid sick pay cuts
Wilko key workers who are part of GMB union have announced they are preparing to strike after having their sick pay entitlement cut. A consultative ballot undertaken by the union saw 88% of Wilko workers vote that they were ready to take action up to and including strike action following…
Read More » -
3 MarchCoronavirus
Budget 2021: Chancellor unveils new £65bn support package
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has outlined a new £65bn support package in his March budget, confirming the decision to extend the furlough scheme until the end of September as well as new loan schemes of up to £10m for businesses. In what is Sunak’s second budget since he joined office in…
Read More » -
3 MarchGovernment
NI Executive reveals phased lockdown exit plan
Ministers for Northern Ireland’s devolved government have announced phased plans to take the country out of its current lockdown restrictions. Yesterday (2 March), the Executive agreed on a final version of the ‘Pathway to Recovery’ strategy, which will focus on reopening key areas of the economy, such as retail and…
Read More » -
Feb- 2021 -25 FebruaryHigh Street
Primark forecasts £1.1bn sales hit
The owner of Primark is expecting to lose £1.1bn in sales during the first half of its financial year due to the ongoing coronavirus restrictions which prohibit stores to trade. Associated British Foods (ABF) told investors that as a “consequence of the restrictions” placed on Primark it expects sales and…
Read More » -
22 FebruaryCoronavirus
PM outlines ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown
Prime minister Boris Johnson has set out his four-step “roadmap” to guide the nation out of lockdown “cautiously but irreversibly”, calling the plan a “one-way road to freedom”. Step one will begin from 8 March, when all schools will be allowed to open with outdoor after-school sports and activities allowed.…
Read More » -
22 FebruaryAnalysis
The restructuring options for retailers before it’s too late for rescue
Despite a glimmer of hope that Government may extend more Covid-19 support measures, retailers shouldn’t leave their future to chance if they want to boost their prospects of surviving the pandemic. Up until recent days, it looked like retailers were facing a so-called perfect storm. A moratorium protecting retail tenants…
Read More » -
17 FebruaryCoronavirus
Scottish retailers see business rates relief extended for 12 months
Scottish retail, hospitality, leisure and aviation businesses will pay no rates throughout the next year, under new plans outlined by finance secretary Kate Forbes. The extension is part of £1.1bn consequential funding arising from UK government coronavirus spending. Forbes, who had already announced plans for a three-month extension in her…
Read More »
