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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Feb- 2021 -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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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3 FebruaryEconomy
13,000 Scottish retail jobs were lost before Covid-19, SRC reveals
13,000 Scottish retail jobs were lost between 2016-2018, a new paper by the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) reveals. The report entitled ‘Road to Retail Recovery’ also found that £3.48bn in annual turnover was lost from the industry between 2014-18; figures which are likely to “severely worsen” when the full account…
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1 FebruaryAnalysis
Adapting and diversifying as a result of Covid-19
It’s no secret that 2020 was a tough year for many businesses. The closure of non-essential stores meant that the majority of retailers have had to find new ways to continue operation. Whilst the situation has and continues to be difficult for many businesses, we’ve also seen many become more…
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