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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Jul- 2020 -17 JulyTips
How ESG will help retailers survive the pandemic
With lockdowns slowly lifting again and more consumers coming out of their homes after months in isolation, the conditions have become far more favourable for the UK’s retail businesses. Given that every retail business owner had their eyes peeled for a possible opening for the past month, you might not…
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17 JulyCoronavirus
White Stuff makes 390 staff redundant
Clothing retailer White Stuff has reportedly made 390 staff redundant from its head office and UK retail stores. According to Drapers, the move has been made as it accelerated its transformation programme due to the impact of Covid-19 and follows a consultation period which started in May. The losses reportedly…
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17 JulyDepartment Stores
John Lewis extends Co-op partnership
John Lewis has announced plans to extend its click-and-collect delivery partnership with the Co-op to over 500 stores by the end of the summer. The move will see the total number of John Lewis Partnership click and collect locations increase to nearly 900, double the number of current click and…
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17 JulyCoronavirus
BFC calls on government support of fashion industry
The British Fashion Council (BFC) has called on the government to provide more support for Britain’s fashion industry in the wake of Covid. It comes as the group today released new data from Oxford Economics that “reinforces the stark reality of the impact of the global pandemic on the British…
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16 JulyAdvice
Effective stock management is key to retail revival
Following the optimism of non-essential high street shops reopening in mid-June, pessimism remains about near-term sales. The CBI’s monthly Distributive Trades Survey shows the vast majority of retailers expect sales to be lower than July 2019, with 62% believing lack of customer demand is the biggest operational challenge they are…
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16 JulyComment
Intu the unknown: The future of the shopping centre
Saddled with unsustainable levels of debt and lacking rental income over the past two quarters due to Covid-19 restrictions, Intu finally announced its move into administration earlier this month. The shopping centre giant’s collapse left thousands of shops and livelihoods on the line and it represented a pivotal moment for…
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16 JulyCoronavirus
Asos to consider legal action against Leicester supplier
Asos is reportedly considering legal action against a Leicester supplier after it was found to be in breach of its ethical standards during the lockdown period. According to The Guardian, following an “ethical audit” the online fashion retailer has classed one of its suppliers as “red critical” meaning that action…
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16 JulyClothing & Shoes
Next set for Victoria’s Secret UK takeover
Next has reportedly agreed an outline deal to acquire the UK arm of Victoria’s Secret, fending off competition from Marks and Spencer and other bidding rivals. According to Sky News, Next has been chosen as the “preferred” franchise partner for the lingerie brand by Deloitte, who were called in as…
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15 JulyCoronavirus
Burberry to slash 500 roles amid Q1 sales slump
Burberry is reportedly set to slash almost 500 roles worldwide to support a £55m cost-cutting effort, amid sliding retail sales. According to the Guardian, this includes 150 UK head office roles, as the group proposes to “further streamline” its office-based functions and “improve its retail efficiency” in certain geographies outside…
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15 JulySupermarkets
Aldi doubles Deliveroo trial size
Aldi is extending its current trial with Deliveroo into 11 new stores, including five more in London and launching in Greater Manchester and Cambridge for the first time. The extension more than doubles the number of stores currently running the trial partnership after eight stores in Nottinghamshire introduced the Deliveroo…
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