Pandemic
This coverage examines the impact of pandemics on the UK retail industry, focusing on operational disruption, financial challenges, consumer behaviour shifts, and recovery strategies. Reporting highlights store closures, safety measures, supply chain pressures, leadership decisions, and lessons learned to enhance resilience. Tailored for executives and managers, it provides insights to navigate crisis situations and strengthen preparedness.
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Feb- 2021 -8 FebruaryClothing & Shoes
Kurt Geiger reports pre-pandemic growth
Luxury footwear and accessories retailer Kurt Geiger has reported pre-pandemic growth to both its revenues and profits. Accounts filed at Companies House revealed that the group’s turnover rose to £347m for the year ended 1 February 2020, a year-on-year increase of 3.7%. Operating profit for the period also grew from…
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8 February
Sunak mulls ‘Amazon Tax’ to help with UK debts
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is allegedly considering a double tax raid on online retailers such as Amazon who profited during the pandemic. According to The Sunday Times, leaked emails show that Treasury officials have already called for tech firms and retailers to meet this month ahead of the March budget to…
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5 FebruaryComment
Top of the shops – retail trends to drive success in 2021
2020 was clearly a challenging year for the retail sector. However the shake up from the global pandemic means massive change in the industry, bringing with it potential benefits for retailers and consumers alike. Change is the only constant and the brands that are set to thrive in 2021 will…
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5 FebruaryFeatures
Fanfare Label’s founder takes on fast fashion
There is no doubt about it, the sustainable fashion industry is growing. A desire for environmentally and socially responsible goods is becoming increasingly prominent in the habits of conscious consumers, therefore pushing demand within the sector. For some, the importance of sustainability in fashion is unparalleled. “I wouldn’t say it’s…
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5 FebruaryCoronavirus
Bank of England holds rates, predicts strong vaccine rebound
The Bank of England (BoE) has predicted an economic rebound in the spring led by a successful vaccine rollout, after revealing it will be holding interest rates at 0.1%. The news comes as the BoE predicts that GDP is expected to fall by around 4% in the first quarter of…
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5 FebruaryM&A
French Connection enters takeover talks
Fashion retailer French Connection has revealed it is in takeover talks with two possible suitors. In a letter from the board published on Friday 5 February, FC stated that it had been approached by Spotlight Brands and Gordon Brothers International LLC as well as Go Global Retail and HMJ International…
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5 FebruaryClothing & Shoes
Dune mulls CVA, drafts advisors for strategic review
Dune is reportedly in talks with landlords about potential rent cuts, which could lead to a CVA depending on negotiations, according to Sky News. The footwear retailer, which was founded in 1992 by Daniel Rubin and employs around 1,200 people across its 42 stores, has recruited advisors from KPMG to…
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4 FebruaryProperty
Retail landlords charged nearly £1bn in rates on empty shops
Retail landlords have handed over almost £1bn to English Councils in business rates since the onset of the pandemic despite the current holiday, research from the Altus Group has found. The government, which has invested more than £280bn in business support during the last year, gave premises in those sectors…
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4 FebruaryClothing & Shoes
Jigsaw sales down £31m amid pandemic
Jigsaw, a fashion clothing retailer, has reported a fall in sales of £31m for 2020 as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic. In reports filed by parent company, Robinson Webster, to Companies House, the group revealed that 60% of its revenue had been generated through online channels. While Jigsaw…
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4 FebruaryLuxury Goods
‘Robust’ online sales offset store closures at Watches of Switzerland
Watches of Switzerland has welcomed a period of strong trading in its third quarter ended 24 January 2021, with group revenue up by 6.6% to £272.6m despite the ongoing pandemic. This was bolstered by a “robust” e-commerce performance in the UK, which offset continued store closures throughout the period. UK…
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