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 -16 AprilCoronavirus
Retail sales decline at ‘worst rate on record’
Retail sales suffered the “worst decline recorded” in March, with a year-on-year total sales decline of 4.3%. The findings come from the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor, which said this is the lowest recorded rate since the monitor first began in January 1995. Its data showed that sales “contrasted sharply”…
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15 AprilCoronavirus
Oasis and Warehouse collapse into administration
Fashion retailers Oasis and Warehouse have entered administration, putting over 2,000 jobs at risk. Rob Harding and Richard Hawes, restructuring partners at ‘Big Four’ accountancy firm Deloitte, have been appointed as joint administrators to Oasis and Warehouse Limited, Oasis Fashions Limited, Warehouse Fashions Limited, The Idle Man Limited and Bastyan…
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15 AprilCoronavirus
Covid-19 could cause UK economy to shrink by 35%, says OBR
The UK’s economy could shrink by as much as 35% in the second quarter of 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has said. The watchdog is also predicting a 13% drop in annual GDP as a result of the outbreak, which it said would…
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15 AprilSupermarkets
Morrisons offers NHS staff 10% discount for 12 weeks amid Covid-19 crisis
‘Big 4’ grocer Morrisons has announced a 10% discount on shopping for all NHS staff for 12 weeks to support them through the coronavirus pandemic. The discount comes into effect from Thursday this week (16 April) and will last until 12 June, when it will be reviewed. The supermarket said…
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15 AprilCoronavirus
Quiz reopens online operations
British Fashion retailer Quiz has revealed it has reopened its online operations after it added “additional safety measures” to keep its employees safe. Quiz stores have been closed since the 22 March with its online operations also closing a couple of days later. However, it has now taken the decision…
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14 AprilCoronavirus
Oasis and Warehouse set to call in administrators
Fashion retailers Oasis and Warehouse are reportedly set to appoint administrators, placing around 2,000 jobs at risk. According to Sky News, The Oasis and Warehouse Group, which is owned by Icelandic lender Kaupthing, is set to appoint Deloitte as administrators in the coming days. It comes after a potential sale…
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14 AprilCoronavirus
Co-op launches fund to help raise £30m for those hit by Covid-19
Co-op CEO Steve Murrells is to direct his own personal income to kick-start a new Co-op Members Fund, which will be channelled into foodbanks, a funeral hardship fund and front-line community causes. The Co-op boss said he will be donating 20% of his salary over a three-month period into the…
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14 AprilHigh Street
Matalan owner reportedly seeking £60m amid store closures
The owner of Matalan, John Hargreaves, is reportedly seeking a cash injection of £60m to support the fashion retailer through the Covid-19 pandemic, after the group was “forced” to close its 232 stores. According to the Mail on Sunday, a statement issued to bondholders claimed the retailer had not faced…
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14 AprilCoronavirus
Covid-19: Amazon seeks 75,000 new hires
Amazon announced that it is looking to hire an additional 75,000 employees across its operations in light of the ongoing coronavirus crisis. The group said that it continues to see “increased demand” as its teams support communities amid the ongoing pandemic, and for this reason will create the additional 75,000…
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14 AprilCoronavirus
Next reopens online operations amid Covid-19 crisis
Next has announced the reopening of its website after a two-week shut down amid the coronavirus pandemic. The company made the decision to temporarily cease online orders on 26 March after concerns about the health and safety of its warehouse employees were raised. The fashion retailer will resume online operations…
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