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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Aug- 2020 -20 AugustHigh Street
Frasers Group profits slump in full-year results
Frasers Group has reported a 19.9% decrease in pre-tax profits to £143.5m in its preliminary results for the year ended 26 April 2020. Despite the drop, the group saw revenues increase by 6.9% during the year. EBITDA also increased by 98.7% to £551m compared with £277.3m in the prior period,…
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20 AugustComment
How retailers can use feedback during a crisis to strengthen their brand
It’s no secret that the retail industry has been severely affected by Covid-19-related shutdowns and a crumbling economy. Despite non-essential retail being allowed to open its brick-and-mortar stores, there is still much uncertainty about what exactly lies ahead for the sector. Pair this with the pressure of ensuring brand survival…
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19 AugustCoronavirus
Pizza Express to close 73 sites, 1,100 jobs at risk
Pizza Express has formally launched a CVA in a bid to reduce its restaurant estate and rental cost base following the pandemic. The CVA proposal will see the permanent closure of 73 restaurants, resulting in a loss of 1,100 jobs. The casual dining chain first announced it had reached an…
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19 AugustComment
Security: The new experience shoppers are seeking in the ‘new normal’?
Retailers have been battling COVID-19 for months. Many traditional brick-and-mortar stores closed. Workforces were scattered — either furloughed or required to work from home. Meantime, online sales have provided a lifeline, as dramatic e-commerce spikes helped firms navigate these trying times. Now, with physical stores starting to reopen, more disruption…
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19 AugustCoronavirus
Usdaw leader launches petition to protect retail staff from violence and abuse
Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis has today (19 August) launched a House of Commons petition calling on the Government to legislate to protect shopworkers. The trade union said the petition has been launched in response to “continued growing assaults, threats and abuse against shopworkers and the doubling of such incidents…
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18 AugustPeople Moves
Hamleys CEO to step down
Hamleys chief executive, David Smith, is to step down from the position after only six months with the iconic toy retailer. According to Sky News, the reasons behind his departure remains unclear and it is understood that Smith will leave the group at the end of August. He was previously…
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18 AugustComment
How retailers can tap into the growing power of influencers
Retailers across the globe have been pulling advertising from Facebook (and Instagram) . The social media platform is under heavy criticism for its failure to tackle hate speech. Retailers have taken a stand – along with about 1,000 other brands and agencies – in protest and have withdrawn from advertising.…
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17 AugustHigh Street
Debenhams draws up contingency plans for potential liquidation
Debenhams has reportedly drawn up contingency plans in the event of a potential liquidation, as it continues to weather the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a report by Sky News, it is understood that Debenahmans has drafted in Hilco Capital to support the retailer if the sales process for the 242-year-old…
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14 AugustHigh Street
River Island set to axe 350 jobs
River Island is reportedly set to axe almost 350 store management and sales roles as it continues to weather the coronavirus pandemic. According to an internal memo sent to staff, which was seen by Drapers, CEO Will Kernan said: “We are now in the process of restructuring our retail teams…
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14 AugustClothing & Shoes
New Look to secure £40m of funding
New Look has agreed a deal with its creditors to secure an additional £40m of funding to help ride out the covid-19 pandemic. Under the terms, New Look said it will have funding to provide a sustainable platform for post-Covid trading and enable the group to invest in, and deliver,…
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