Omnichannel
This coverage explores the evolution and execution of omnichannel strategies within the UK retail industry. Reporting highlights technology integration, customer experience innovations, store–online alignment, supply chain adjustments, and leadership decisions driving seamless retail operations. Designed for executives and managers, it provides analysis to support strategic planning and operational excellence across digital and physical retail channels.
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Aug- 2020 -13 AugustComment
New retail technology and its potential for ‘on the ground’ data collection
It was reported recently that Amazon will open 10 till-free UK stores, with shoppers scanning items as they go and paying via their Amazon accounts. Similarly, Sainsbury’s has announced a trial virtual queuing system using a third-party app, and an expanded mobile payment scheme offering increased availability of till-free shopping. This…
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6 AugustShopping Centres
Hammerson seeks £825m to ride pandemic
Shopping centre owner Hammerson has announced it plans to raise £825m through fundraising and disposals as it looks to survive the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The announcement comes as Hammerson reported that net rental income dropped by 44% to £87.3m during the first half of the year. For the…
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4 AugustCoronavirus
Dixons Carphone to axe 800 jobs
Dixons Carphone is set to axe 800 management roles in a bid to restructure and streamline the company. The Currys PC World owner confirmed it has now begun a consultation process with affected employees. It comes as the group is looking to shake up its management structure. It now plans…
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Jul- 2020 -31 JulyHigh Street
Pets at Home sales stabilise in quarterly results
Pets at Home has announced that total group revenue fell by 1% in the quarter ended 16 July, while like-for-like revenue was down by 0.7% in the period. Amid the onset of the pandemic, the first eight weeks of the period saw like-for-like revenue tumble 13.5%, though this was later…
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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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9 JulyHigh Street
Boots set to slash 4,000 jobs
Boots is reportedly set to slash almost 4,000 roles as it seeks to restructure its head office and store teams. The company said it is “moving swiftly” to address the impact of Covid-19 on the Boots business by accelerating its transformation plan. The proposed plan included a reorganisation of the…
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3 JulyFeatures
Reducing returns abuse without sacrificing customer experience
For merchants, delivering a great customer experience has always been high on their list of priorities. It’s essential for fostering customer loyalty, and increasing top-line revenue. A significant aspect of customer experience is how a merchant handles returns, as this can mean increased flexibility and convenience for consumers. Recent Forter…
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1 JulyHigh Street
Harveys collapses into administration as Bensons saved
Furniture retailer Harveys has collapsed into administration after the retailer’s parent company, Blue Group, called in PwC to financially restructure the business. Bensons for Beds, which is also owned by Blue Group, has been saved from the same fate after it was acquired by Blue Group owner Alteri Investors in…
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Jun- 2020 -19 JuneAdvice
How email can save the high street
According to IMRG, online sales in the UK grew by just 6.7% in 2019. The current pandemic, though, helped online retail sales soar to ten year high. A recent press release by IMRG reports growth to a “staggering +23.8% Year-on-Year (YoY) in April 2020, as high streets across the country…
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May- 2020 -28 MayComment
The time for retail to be re-imagined
2020 has seen retailers experience some of their most challenging times, an unprecedented fall or rise in demand during a global pandemic never before seen on this scale. As retailers grappled with their immediate response to Covid-19, it’s undoubtedly a once in a generation test of business continuity. As retailers…
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