Covid-19
This coverage examines the effects of Covid-19 on the UK retail industry, focusing on operational disruption, financial pressures, consumer behaviour shifts, and recovery strategies. Reporting includes lockdown impacts, safety measures, supply chain challenges, online growth, and leadership decisions that shaped responses to the crisis. Designed for executives and managers, it offers lessons and insights for navigating future disruptions.
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Jul- 2021 -19 JulyClothing & Shoes
Puma profits hit £93m in Q2
Puma has reported that its profits hit €109m (£93m) in its second quarter of trading, up from a previous loss of €115m (£98) in 2020. The group noted that the increase was predominantly due to a range of new product launches, with “high sell-throughs” and strong growth across all regions,…
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14 JulyAdvice
Closing the feedback gap during the rise of eCommerce
Gone are the days where online retail was solely for large resellers. With more brands launching online versions of their stores over recent years, shoppers have seen huge growth in e-commerce. A boom further caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, pushing people to shop online, rather than in-store. With this trend…
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13 JulyHealth & Beauty
Superdrug revenues tumble 15% in FY20
Superdrug saw its group revenues decline 15% year-on-year to £1.11bn in FY20, despite being classed as an “essential retailer”. Profit before tax at the health and beauty retailer also plummeted 79% year-on-year to £18.8m for the 52 weeks ended 26 December 2020. During the period, the company benefited from £14.2m…
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13 JulyEconomy
UK retail sales jump 13.1% in June
Total retail sales in the UK increased by 13.1% in June, according to the latest BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor. On a like-for-like basis, the country’s retail sales rose by 17% from June 2019, with non-food reporting a like-for-like sales jump of 47%. In the nation’s high street stores, sales were…
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9 JulySupermarkets
Morrisons CEO to discuss takeover with business secretary
The CEO of Morrisons is to meet with business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng next week to discuss the potential takeover of the business by a consortium led by an US investment firm. According to The Times, Kwarteng has asked CEO David Potts to explain the reasoning behind the company’s decision to…
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7 JulyGovernment
Bira urges gov to support indie retailers closed by self-isolation
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has urged the Government to issue more support for indie retailers that are forced to close if staff are self-isolating. The calls follow the prime minister’s announcement that most Covid-19 restrictions will be lifted on 19 July. However, self-isolation will remain until 16 August,…
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7 JulyEconomy
BRC report highlights chargeback ‘struggles’ for retailers
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has published a report which highlights the ongoing chargeback “struggles” affecting retailers in the UK. The survey’s respondents, who were retailers across a wide variety of sectors, identified a change in chargeback issuances linked directly to Covid-19 which saw an average increase of 25%. Some…
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6 JulyAdvice
Retail sector valuations in the current climate
The current pandemic has caused widespread disruption to the retail sector, with many struggling to maintain a healthy cashflow and revenues and profits down on previous years. Knowing the different types of valuation methods and when to use them can help business owners know what their company is worth now, helping to support their…
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6 JulySupermarkets
Sainsbury’s raises FY22 guidance amid rising sales
Sainsbury’s has raised its full-year guidance for the financial year ended March 2022, with its underlying profit-before-tax now expected to be at least £660m, up from the previously forecasted £620m, with progress weighted towards the first half. The news follows the supermarket chain’s Q1 trading statement for the 16 weeks…
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6 JulyCoronavirus
Usdaw ‘slams’ lifting of restrictions in shops
Usdaw has “slammed” the government’s announcement that it plans to lift safety measures in stores once the final Covid restrictions are lifted on 19 July. In a speech made yesterday (5 July), the Prime Minister confirmed that face coverings would no longer be mandatory in shops from that date, whilst…
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