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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Dec- 2020 -22 DecemberAnalysis
Planning for the Future White Paper
The Government published the Planning for the Future White Paper in August, hailing it as a once in a generation opportunity to fix a planning system that has long been regarded as not fit for purpose. Although the White Paper recognises that the planning system faces a number of challenges…
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22 DecemberNews
Matalan sells head office for £25m
Matalan has completed the £25m sale of its head office in Knowsley, Liverpool to a company already owned by the retailer’s founder. In a statement the discount retailer said that the sale represents the “planned completion of transactions” set out during the financing activity undertaken in June, following the “significant…
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18 DecemberCoronavirus
Retail sales down 3.8% in November
Retail sales in November were down 3.8% compared to the previous month, according to the latest figures published by the ONS. The office reported that the decline in sales was a result of many stores’ decisions to cease trading following government guidance during the coronavirus pandemic. Figures show that in…
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17 DecemberCoronavirus
Furlough scheme extended until April 2021
The furlough scheme has been extended until the end of April 2021 with the government continuing to contribute 80% towards wages to employee’s pay, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed today (17 December). The government will also extend current government-guaranteed Covid-19 business loan schemes until the end of March. This includes…
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17 DecemberCoronavirus
Restrictions widen as millions enter Tier 3
UK government officials have announced that the majority of the South East and East of England will enter Tier 3 this weekend, as coronavirus cases continue to rise in many parts of the country. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that the increased restrictions were necessary in order to control the…
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17 DecemberCoronavirus
Non-essential retail to close in Wales
The First Minister of Wales has confirmed that the country will move to alert level four amid rising Covid-19 cases, with all non-essential retail ordered to close at the end of trading on Christmas Eve. Close contact services and all leisure and fitness centres will also close on 24 December,…
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16 DecemberAdvice
Top tips for email marketing and deliverability this Christmas season
With such an unpredictable year coming to a close, one thing is certain: this year’s festive season will pose an extremely unique set of challenges for marketers. Under normal circumstances, Christmas is a time to come together with family to gather around the fire, exchange gifts, and share joy. However,…
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14 DecemberAdvice
Forecasting future staffing needs
While many retail businesses use cash-flow forecasting to optimise their trading performance, could they be doing more to predict their staffing needs, both during and after the pandemic? Could this be key to their survival in the difficult months of winter trading ahead? In the retail sector particularly, both recruitment…
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14 DecemberNews
No need to panic buy before Brexit, says BRC
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has urged members of the public to refrain from stockpiling food before Britain leaves the EU on 1 January. The plea comes after the UK and EU confirmed on Sunday (13 December) that the deadline for reaching a deal on post Brexit would be extended. …
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9 DecemberNews
Co-op launches partnership with Deliveroo
Co-op has launched a new partnership with Deliveroo and fresh fruit and veg suppliers Sheringhams to help provide 20,000 meals and 3,000 pieces of fresh fruit to families by Christmas. The partnership between the two companies builds off the support for Marcus Rashford’s campaign and commitment to end child food…
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