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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Jun- 2020 -12 JuneEconomy
UK GDP slumps over 20% in April as full impact of Covid-19 is felt
GDP slumped by 20.4% in April 2020, following a fall of 5.8% in March, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is the biggest monthly fall since the ONS’ series began in 1997, with the measure also falling by 10.4% in the three months…
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12 JuneCoronavirus
The Works aims to reopen 465 stores next week
The Works has announced it is aiming to reopen 465 stores across England, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland next week. The stationery retailer temporarily closed its stores in March due to government guidelines surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. The company said it is following government safety guidelines and each…
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11 JuneAdvice
Beat the business lockdown blues with these four quick brand creation steps
The ‘New Normal’ that everyone is talking about doesn’t look like it’s going to be up and running for a while yet. Sure, some non-essential shops are opening, but a lot of businesses should be prepared for reduced customer activity and tightened purse-strings. These four straightforward tips can help you…
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11 JuneAdvice
How smart retailers are pivoting to meet the demands of consumers today
‘Hoarding’ may be the term most associated with Covid-19 consumerism, but beyond toilet paper and soap, consumer buying behavior has shifted significantly in recent months – and brands are responding. Aside from increasing inventory for what are deemed “essential” items today to meet skyrocketing demand, brands are leaning into digital…
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11 JuneEconomy
Majority of SMEs believe UK is headed for deep recession post-pandemic
Almost seven in 10 (69%) small business owners believe the UK is heading for a deep recession following the coronavirus pandemic and resulting lockdown, according to new research from FreeAgent. In addition, almost three quarters (73%) believe many small businesses will struggle to make enough money to survive and two…
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11 JunePeople Moves
CBI names Tony Danker as its next director-general
The CBI has announced that Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, who is stepping down as director-general in November, will be succeeded by Tony Danker, the current chief executive of Be The Business. Fairbairn had expected to complete her five-year term in September this year but agreed with the CBI board to extend…
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11 JuneComment
Retail experience will never be the same
While COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the UK’s retail sector, it should not come as a surprise to see the high street in peril. Even prior to the outbreak, retailers had endured a torrid twelve months – a poor Christmas period had led into a traditionally weaker opening…
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11 JuneCoronavirus
Fenwick to reopen all nine UK stores on 15 June
Department store Fenwick revealed that all nine of its UK stores will reopen from Monday (15 June) as lockdown measures begin to ease. Fenwick said in order to prepare for its reopening, each store has undergone “intensive” cleaning both front and back of house, with “extensive social distancing measures implemented”.…
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11 JuneCoronavirus
B&M hails year of ‘solid growth’ despite pandemic
B&M has revealed that group revenue increased by 16.5% to £3,813.4m in the full-year ended 28 March, despite the effects of the ongoing pandemic. In the same period, its UK business delivered “strong trading”, with revenue up by 12.6% in the period. This included a like-for-like growth of 3.3% for…
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10 JuneClothing & Shoes
Quiz places loss-making stores into administration
Quiz has revealed it is placing the division that runs some of its loss-making stores into administration. Quiz said that in order to “protect the future” of the company it has decided to appoint joint administrators from KPMG to the group’s 82 standalone stores in the United Kingdom and the…
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