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.
-
Feb- 2021 -8 FebruaryHigh Street
Retail sales fall 10% in January
Total like-for-like retail sales declined by 10% in January as both the national lockdown and impact of Covid-19 affected shops across England, according to BDO’s High Street Sales Tracker. It found that lifestyle total like-for-like sales fell to 16.7% in January. This month’s result reportedly marked “the worst” since June…
Read More » -
8 FebruaryOnline & Digital
Amazon’s tax to turnover ratio dropped to 0.37% in 2020
Amazon saw its tax to turnover ratio fall to 0.37% last year, despite sales rising by more than 51% in the UK. In comparison, the Centre for Retail Research reported bricks-and-mortar retailers paid around 2.3% of annual retail sales overall in business rates. The online retailer’s sales for 2020, ending…
Read More » -
8 February
Sunak mulls ‘Amazon Tax’ to help with UK debts
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is allegedly considering a double tax raid on online retailers such as Amazon who profited during the pandemic. According to The Sunday Times, leaked emails show that Treasury officials have already called for tech firms and retailers to meet this month ahead of the March budget to…
Read More » -
5 FebruaryComment
Top of the shops – retail trends to drive success in 2021
2020 was clearly a challenging year for the retail sector. However the shake up from the global pandemic means massive change in the industry, bringing with it potential benefits for retailers and consumers alike. Change is the only constant and the brands that are set to thrive in 2021 will…
Read More » -
5 FebruaryFeatures
Fanfare Label’s founder takes on fast fashion
There is no doubt about it, the sustainable fashion industry is growing. A desire for environmentally and socially responsible goods is becoming increasingly prominent in the habits of conscious consumers, therefore pushing demand within the sector. For some, the importance of sustainability in fashion is unparalleled. “I wouldn’t say it’s…
Read More » -
5 FebruaryCoronavirus
Bank of England holds rates, predicts strong vaccine rebound
The Bank of England (BoE) has predicted an economic rebound in the spring led by a successful vaccine rollout, after revealing it will be holding interest rates at 0.1%. The news comes as the BoE predicts that GDP is expected to fall by around 4% in the first quarter of…
Read More » -
5 FebruaryM&A
French Connection enters takeover talks
Fashion retailer French Connection has revealed it is in takeover talks with two possible suitors. In a letter from the board published on Friday 5 February, FC stated that it had been approached by Spotlight Brands and Gordon Brothers International LLC as well as Go Global Retail and HMJ International…
Read More » -
5 FebruaryClothing & Shoes
Ralph Lauren sees Q3 revenues drop 18%
Ralph Lauren has announced that in its third quarter ended 26 December 2020, revenues decreased by 18% to $1.4bn (£1.02bn) attributed to the impact of Covid-19 and government restrictions on trade. Europe revenue in the third quarter decreased 28% to $316m (£230m) on a reported basis and decreased 32% in…
Read More » -
4 FebruaryClothing & Shoes
Jigsaw sales down £31m amid pandemic
Jigsaw, a fashion clothing retailer, has reported a fall in sales of £31m for 2020 as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic. In reports filed by parent company, Robinson Webster, to Companies House, the group revealed that 60% of its revenue had been generated through online channels. While Jigsaw…
Read More » -
3 FebruaryOnline & Digital
Jeff Bezos to step down as Amazon CEO
Amazon has announced that founder Jeff Bezos will step down from his role as CEO in Q3, and instead transition to the role of executive chair. Bezos will be succeeded by Amazon Web Services CEO Andy Jassy who has been with the company since 1997. The news follows Amazon’s latest…
Read More »
