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 -6 AprilSupermarkets
Aldi Ireland appoints Niall O’Connor as group managing director
Aldi Ireland has announced the appointment of Niall O’Connor as its new group managing director (GMD). O’Connor will be responsible for all of Aldi’s activities in Ireland, including its multi-million-euro store-opening programme and Irish buying office. He has been a senior executive with Aldi in Ireland for almost 20 years…
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3 AprilCoronavirus
Debenhams readying to appoint administrators amid Covid-19
Department store chain Debenhams is reportedly set to enter administration for the second time in a year in order to protect the business from creditors during the coronavirus outbreak. According to Sky News, the embattled retailer could file for administration as early as next week, with ‘Big Four’ accountancy firm…
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3 AprilCoronavirus
Chancellor unveils new measures to SME loan scheme
Chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak has unveiled a major overhaul to his previously announced SME loan scheme. Initially, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) was aimed at businesses unable to secure regular commercial financing as the virus took its toll on the UK’s economy. However, according to Sky…
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3 AprilHealth & Beauty
Boots reports 18% decrease in operating income amid Covid-19 virus outbreak
Health and beauty retailer Boots has reported a 18.7% decrease in operating income to $1.2bn (£973m) as a result of the Covid-19 virus pandemic. In its six months to 29 February, Boots reported its sales increased by 3.7% to $35.8bn (£29.1bn), as operating income decreased by 12% to $1.7bn (£1.38bn).…
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3 AprilClothing & Shoes
Primark execs take 50% pay cut
Primark bosses have revealed that they will slash their pay in half in light of the ongoing coronavirus crisis. George Weston, chief executive of parent group Associated British Foods, and finance director John Bason have both requested that their base pay be reduced by 50% on a temporary basis. Paul…
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2 AprilSupermarkets
Covid-19: Tesco to provide £30m package to support local communities
Tesco has announced plans to provide a £30m package of support for local communities tackling Covid-19, including a £25m food donations programme. The ‘Big Four’ grocer is currently donating £3m of food every month through its Community Food Connection scheme and distribution centres. In addition to that, over the next…
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2 AprilNews
Frasers Group to cut bosses’ salary to £40k amid April pay pledge
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has reportedly reduced the salary of its executive team to £40,000 and has pledged to pay all his staff up until the end of April. According to The Times, the executive team has taken a voluntary pay cut in a “show of support towards securing the…
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2 AprilCoronavirus
Pets at Home to beat guidance amid spiked demand
Pets at Home has revealed that its closing weeks of full-year trading saw “exceptional levels of demand” amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. In the period ended 26 March 2020, existing customers increased their average basket size, whilst new customers have accessed its pet products and healthcare services. Trading was largely…
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2 AprilHigh Street
The Perfume Shop shuts online operations, affecting over 1,800 jobs
Fragrance retailer The Perfume Shop has announced the closure of its online operations amid the coronavirus outbreak, affecting over 1,800 jobs. The company, which had closed its 231 stores late last month following government guidelines that all shops would have to close, except those selling essential items, said it has…
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1 AprilHigh Street
JD Sports to withhold quarterly rent amid Covid-19 lockdown
Sports fashion retailer JD Sports has announced it is withholding its quarterly rent in bid to mitigate the effects of the UK lockdown. According to The Guardian, JD Sports has not paid the rent due for its 390 stores, and is reportedly in discussions with the next bill due in…
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