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.
-
Jun- 2021 -2 JuneComment
Online retailers are in danger of being overwhelmed by increased orders – Automation is the answer
Online retailers are facing a major crisis. Since Covid-19 hit, reduced headcount and social distancing practices within the walls of warehouses and distribution centres mean retail businesses are struggling to manage the stresses and strains of increased e-commerce demand – which is set to continue to soar. Recent research from…
Read More » -
2 June
Amazon to become UK’s largest retailer by 2025, study finds
Amazon is to overtake Tesco as the UK’s largest retailer within the next four years, with UK sales expected to reach £77.1bn by 2025, according to a report from Edge by Ascential’s syndicated research arm, Edge Retail Insight. In 2020, Amazon UK’s total sales were £36.3bn, while Tesco’s sales were…
Read More » -
1 JuneOnline & Digital
Victorian Plumbing to float on AIM
Victorian Plumbing, an online retailer of bathroom products and accessories, has announced its intention to float on AIM, the submarket of the London Stock Exchange. Set to take place “on or around” 22 June 2021, the IPO represents a continuation of Victorian Plumbing’s growth trajectory. The group, which stocks over…
Read More » -
May- 2021 -28 MayClothing & Shoes
JD Group chairman banks £6m in bonuses despite 75% pay cut
The executive chairman of JD Group, Peter Cowgill, was reportedly handed nearly £6m in “special bonuses” over the course of 18 months despite the company accepting more than £100m in government support. During the course of the pandemic, the group received £86.1m in furlough payments for staff and roughly £38m…
Read More » -
27 MayHigh Street
Pets at Home sales top £1bn in FY21
Pets at Home has reported that group sales rose by 7.9% to £1.14bn in its financial report for the 52 weeks ended 25 March. The pet retailer also saw a 35.5% increase in statutory pre-tax profit to £116.4m over the period, with like-for-like sales also jumping 8.7%. For Pet at…
Read More » -
26 MayShopping Centres
British Land sees portfolio value plummet £2bn
British Land has seen the valuation of its portfolio cut by £2bn during FY21, falling from £11.16bn to £9.13bn in the period. The 10.8% year-on-year decline in the group’s portfolio value was driven by a 24.7% decrease for the year ended 31 March for British Land’s retail operations. The property…
Read More » -
26 MaySupermarkets
The Spar Group sees H1 profits rise 28%
The Spar Group has revealed that its operating profit for the six months ended 31 March 2021 grew 28% to R1.7bn (£86.8m) from R1.3bn (£66.4m) the previous year, reflecting “exceptionally strong performances” in European countries. Turnover also increased by 7.5% to R64.2bn (£3.2bn) from R59.7bn (£3.05bn) despite sales slowing “significantly”…
Read More » -
26 MayClothing & Shoes
Ralph and Russo takeover on the rocks
The sale of womenswear brand Ralph and Russo is reportedly in doubt as businesses are unable to commit due to the impacts of Covid-19 on the sector. The company fell into administration in March following the resignation of Tamara Ralph, co-founder and creative director, after a “dispute” with fellow co-founder…
Read More » -
25 MayOnline & Digital
Made.com launches £1bn London IPO
Online furniture retailer Made.com has announced its expected intention to float on the London Stock Exchange for £1bn. Founded in the UK 11 years ago, the e-commerce retailer had already enlisted JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, and Liberum this February to work on the plans for the IPO. The group had…
Read More » -
25 MayHigh Street
Mothercare sales plunge 40% in FY21
Mothercare has revealed that sales in its unaudited full-year results are set to plunge 40% to £326m, reflecting the impact of the pandemic on the global markets in which its franchisees operate. The group said the impact of Covid-19 has “varied enormously” by market as countries have addressed the pandemic…
Read More »
