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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Nov- 2020 -23 NovemberCoronavirus
Government to confirm reopening of non-essential retail
The government is today (23 November) set to confirm that all non-essential retail in England will be permitted to reopen next week, following a four-week lockdown over November. According to Sky News, Boris Johnson is set to make an announcement later this afternoon, where he is expected to lay out…
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23 NovemberNews
Lululemon appoints new CFO
Fashion retailer Lululemon has announced that Meghan Frank has been promoted to CFO, and will assume the role with immediate effect. Frank, who joined Lululemon in 2016 as senior VP of financial planning and analysis, will become the company’s first female CFO, offering more than 20 years of experience within…
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23 NovemberLuxury Goods
Cake Box reports sustained recovery in H1
Cake Box said it has made “sustained recovery” since the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic when its stores were closed for six weeks. During the six months to 30 September, EBITDA slightly edged up 0.5% to £1.98m, although pre-tax profit fell by 4% to £1.66m. The specialist cake retailer’s online…
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23 NovemberHigh Street
Third of consumers to shop this Black Friday
More than a third of UK shoppers are planning to participate in this year’s Black Friday, with 36% stating they will make a purchase during the annual event, according to new research by KPMG. Its latest study polled 2,000 consumers about their spending intentions for Black Friday, and found that…
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20 NovemberNews
M&S to keep stores open until midnight
Marks and Spencers has announced it is keeping its stores open until midnight over the Christmas period to ensure shoppers and staff can upkeep a safe level of social distancing. These new measures will apply to 400 of the brand’s stores, except those in travel locations, such as airports and…
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20 NovemberClothing & Shoes
Jaeger and Peacocks fall into administration, 4,700 jobs at risk
Jaeger and Peacocks have fallen into administration, placing 4,700 jobs at risk. It comes as owner EWM Group failed to secure a buyer for the brands before a set deadline, despite “constructive discussions” with buyers in recent weeks. Tony Wright and Alastair Massey, partners at FRP Advisory, have been appointed…
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19 NovemberDIY
Kingfisher reports 17.6% sales growth in Q3
Kingfisher has announced that sales rose by 17.6% to £3.5bn in the third quarter ended 31 October. In light of the return of regional and national lockdowns across the UK, ecommerce sales soared by 153% in the period, which contributed towards 17% of the group’s overall sales. The B&Q owner…
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19 NovemberNews
Black Friday online sales set to rise 50%
Black Friday online sales are set to increase by around £2bn this year, with total online sales predicted to rise by 52.9% from £3.8bn to £5.8bn. Nonetheless, overall consumer spending figures are predicted to be down 12.4% against last year due to ongoing lockdown measures prohibiting high street trade. A…
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19 NovemberNews
Naked Wine revenue soars 80% in H1
Naked Wines saw revenues soar by 80% to £157.1m in the half-year ended 28 September 2020. The group also reported a narrower adjusted pre-tax loss of £3.2m, against a loss of £4.5m reported the prior year. It noted that the reduction was achieved despite a “substantial” uplift in investment in…
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18 NovemberHigh Street
British Land profits slump 29% in half-year results
British Land has reported that underlying profit slumped 29.6% to £107m in its latest half-year results, down from £152m the prior year, attributable to the impact of Covid-19 on the retail sector. Simon Carter, incoming CEO of British Land said the results reflected the “challenges” in retail against the backdrop…
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