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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Jul- 2024 -23 JulyNews
Today’s news in brief-23/7/24
Tapi Carpets and Floors Limited has acquired the Carpetright brand and 54 stores following its collapse into administration. While over 300 jobs were saved, more than 1,500 employees face redundancy due to the challenging retail climate and recent cyber attack woes. Ikea plans to open 100 additional click-and-collect points at…
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23 JulyDIY
Tapi rescues Carpetright brand as 1,500 jobs lost
Rival brand Tapi has acquired the Carpetright brand and 54 of its stores out of administration but more than 1,500 jobs are set to be axed, it has been revealed. Whilst the deal has saved over 300 jobs, administrators from PwC said it was with “deep regret” that 1,018 employees were…
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19 JulyNews
Retail sales fall by 1.2% in June
UK retail sales volumes fell 1.2% in June 2024 as poor weather conditions for the time of year continued, according to the Office for National Statistics. New figures reveal that sales volumes fell across most sectors, with department stores and clothing retailers broadly returning to their Q1 (Jan to Mar)…
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16 JulyOnline & Digital
Ocado HY losses narrow to £154m
Ocado has revealed that its losses narrowed to £154m for the half year ended 2 June 2024, down from £290m in the same period last year. Overall, the company’s group revenue rose 12.6% to £1.5bn while its technology solutions arms saw an increase of 22%, its logistics arm saw a…
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9 JulyHigh Street
Cold weather chills consumer spending in June
UK Total retail sales decreased by 0.2% year on year in June, against an increase of 4.9% in June 2023, as cold weather negatively affected spending particularly on “weather sensitive categories”. The latest figures from BRC’s and KPMG’s retail sales monitor revealed that food sales increased 1.1% year-on-year over the…
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1 JulyNews
Today’s news in brief-1/7/24
Several firms, including Gordon Brothers led by Mark Newton-Jones, are bidding to rescue The Body Shop’s UK business after its collapse into administration earlier this year. Alteri and Modella Capital are also considering bids. The retailer, known for its beauty products, faced financial difficulties despite a recent takeover attempt. Administrators…
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1 JulyClothing & Shoes
Fancy dress brand Smiffy’s sold to Ad Populum
Fancy dress retailer R.H. Smith and Sons, trading as Smiffy’s, has been sold to Ad Populum after falling into administration. Headquartered in Leeds, Smiffy’s has been operating for over 100 years and has stores in Liverpool, Newcastle and Oxford. However, the retailer was forced to appoint joint administrators from PwC…
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Jun- 2024 -18 JuneNews
Today’s news in brief-18/6/24
Supermarket sales in the UK saw a modest increase of just 1.0% for the four weeks to June 9, 2024, marking the slowest growth since June 2022. This sluggish performance is attributed to poor weather and falling inflation, with average shopper visits dropping slightly from 16.4 to 16.3 times compared…
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18 JuneLuxury Goods
Michael Kors eyes further price hikes as UK sales nosedive
Michael Kors may resort to further price hikes after seeing the cost of basic materials rise, at the same time as it experienced a dramatic fall in UK sales last year, This is Money has reported. The luxury group’s sales performance, which was down by a tenth in the UK,…
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17 JuneNews
Today’s news in brief-17/6/24
Superdry’s shareholders have approved a restructuring plan to rescue the company from financial difficulties. This plan, following the approval of creditors, includes a £10m equity raise and delisting from the stock market. Founder Julian Dunkerton will underwrite the equity raise, which the company believes will provide sufficient liquidity for its…
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