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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Jan- 2021 -6 JanuaryComment
How retailers can build a strong digital presence
Despite the announcement of a COVID vaccine last week, it’s clear that consumers’ shopping habits won’t be returning to ‘normal’ anytime soon. Even before the crisis, the high street had been fighting a losing battle against Amazon and the wider shift towards e-commerce. This has only accelerated as lockdown restrictions…
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5 JanuaryHigh Street
1,500 jobs at risk as Paperchase calls in administrators
Paperchase, the UK-based stationary store chain, has reportedly called in administrators due to a lack of sales caused by Covid-19. A spokesperson confirmed to Retail Sector that a notice has now been filed to appoint administrators from PwC to oversee the administration. It comes as reports show that during November…
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5 JanuaryCoronavirus
Chancellor unveils £4.6bn in new lockdown grants
Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors are to receive a one-off grant worth up to £9,000, the chancellor has announced. The news comes after the prime minister’s announcement that businesses will be closed until at least February half-term in order to help control the spread of Covid-19. Alongside…
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5 JanuaryNews
Next reports better than expected Christmas sales
Fashion retailer Next has revealed its sales in the nine weeks to 26 December were down 1.1% on last year, a figure which is “much better” than what the store predicted in October. In a post-Christmas trading statement the brand said the “benefit of better sales” in November and December…
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5 JanuarySupermarkets
Morrisons welcomes ‘strong’ festive trading
Morrisons has welcomed “strong” sales over the Christmas and New Year period, with group like-for-like sales rising to 9.3% over the festive season. It comes as group like-for-like sales rose by 8.1% in the 22 weeks ended 3 January 2021, comprising contributions from retail of 7.2% and wholesale of 0.9%.…
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5 JanuaryClothing & Shoes
Edinburgh Woollen Mill owes creditors over £190m
Philip Day’s Edinburgh Woollen Mill (EWM) owes a reported £192m to its unsecured creditors, according to Drapers. A report from FRP Advisory, which was seen by Drapers, reveals that those who are indebted includes suppliers and landlords, shows that as of 24 December the firm owed a total sum of…
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4 JanuaryCoronavirus
Primark warns of additional £220m sales loss due to Tier 4 closures
Primark has warned that it now expects to incur an additional loss of £220m in sales due to more areas of the country entering stricter Tier 4 restrictions. In a short Covid-19 trading update, Primark’s parent company Associated British Foods revealed that as of 1 January, 253 Primark stores will…
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4 JanuaryHigh Street
Arcadia to offload flagship Topshop store
Arcadia Group has announced that Eastdil and Savills have been hired to oversee the sale of retail chain Topshop’s flagship store in central London. According to Sky News, Eastdil will reportedly handle the sale strategy for the building, whilst Savills will advise on future leasing options. It comes after the…
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Dec- 2020 -24 DecemberHigh Street
Ann Summers CVA approved by creditors
Ann Summers has announced that its CVA has been approved by 90% of its creditors, which will see 25 of its stores move to a turnover-based rent system. In a statement, the lingerie store outlined the plans of the agreement with additional funding of up to £10m now being made…
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24 DecemberClothing & Shoes
Clarks shareholders approve £100m LionRock Capital rescue deal
Clarks has announced that its shareholders have approved a financial rescue deal from a Hong Kong-based private equity company. LionRock Capital will invest £100m in the shoe retailer as part of a Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA). As a result of this new partnership, none of Clarks’ 320 stores will have…
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