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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Apr- 2020 -20 AprilCoronavirus
UK retail footfall plummets in March
UK retail footfall decreased by 44.7% in March due to the mandatory lockdown, according to the latest BRC-ShopperTrak footfall monitor. The report said the figure is a record decline for the industry that saw “unprecedented challenges” during the month as the UK continues to battle the Covid-19 pandemic. In the…
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20 AprilComment
What’s behind the demise of Cath Kidston?
Sadly, the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent shutting of high street stores has compounded the effects on the already struggling retail sector. Along with other 90s/early 2000s favourites Oasis and Warehouse, homeware and clothing retailer Cath Kidston announced it was going into administration this month. According to Savanta BrandVue Retail data,…
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20 AprilDepartment Stores
Debenhams closes seven stores amid further landlord talks
Debenhams has announced the permanent closure of seven of its stores resulting in the loss of 422 jobs and has entered negotiations with landlords over some of its remaining stores. The department store chain, which entered administration earlier this month, closed seven of its sites including its Westfield Shepherds Bush…
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20 AprilCoronavirus
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme portal goes live
The portal for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is now live, with the government saying that businesses with validated claims will receive payments within at least six days. Under the scheme announced last month, employers can claim a grant covering 80% of the wages for a furloughed employee, subject to…
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20 AprilCoronavirus
DFS remains ‘confident’ as it plans equity raise
DFS has confirmed that it is in the advanced stages of negotiating an additional debt facility amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The furniture retailer is now seeking between £60m and £70m of funding with its existing lending banks in order to supplement its existing bank facility of £250m. This additional…
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20 AprilPeople Moves
Patrick Guido steps down as Lululemon CFO
Lululemon has announced that its CFO, Patrick Guido, will be stepping down to assume a position outside of the apparel industry, effective 8 May. Guido, who joined the brand in 2018, has previously held positions at VF Corporation and The Home Depot. Lululemon has also commenced the search process to…
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17 AprilHigh Street
Laura Ashley appoints third administrator amid Covid-19 crisis
Embattled retailer Laura Ashley has appointed a third administrator amid growing pressure from the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the UK. PwC has confirmed that Rachael Wilkinson, business restructuring services director at the firm, has been appointed to support the business during this time. She joins Rob Lewis and Zelf Hussain of…
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17 AprilCoronavirus
Covid-19: EWM introduces pandemic clauses into Bonmarché leases
Edinburgh Woolen Mill (EWM) is reportedly introducing pandemic clauses into any new Bonmarché leases it is due to sign with landlords, after its owner Phillip Day bought the firm out of administration last year. According to Retail Week, the new clauses mean EWM can agree on new Bonmarché store leases…
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16 AprilCoronavirus
Government extends lockdown for ‘at least’ three more weeks
The government has announced an extension to the coronavirus lockdown for “at least” a further three weeks. The decision was announced at today’s (16 April) press briefing which was led by foreign secretary Dominic Raab. It also comes after Raab led an emergency Cobra committee and cabinet meetings about the…
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16 AprilSupermarkets
Waitrose launches initiatives to support ‘most vulnerable’ suppliers
Waitrose has revealed a number of initiatives it has launched to support its most vulnerable suppliers during the Covid-19 pandemic. As well as supporting British producers and farmers, the supermarket said it is helping the “most vulnerable” communities in developing countries that supply food and other products through the Waitrose…
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