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.
-
Dec- 2020 -3 DecemberEconomy
Retail hiring falls 20%
Hiring in the UK’s retail sector was down 19.7% in October compared to the same month last year, according to Linkedin’s ‘Workforce Report’ for December 2020. Nationally, across every industry, hiring in the UK was 10.2% lower than in October 2019, but hiring across the country was 5.8% higher in…
Read More » -
3 DecemberClothing & Shoes
Arcadia brings forward pension fund payment
The owner of Arcadia, Lady Christina Green, is set to bring forward a payment of £50m that will go into the collapsed group’s pension scheme. The £50m installment was originally scheduled to be paid in September of next year, but has been brought forward in light of the retailer’s collapse…
Read More » -
2 DecemberNews
Tesco to repay £585m rates relief
Tesco has announced that it will repay £585m in business rates relief to the UK government and devolved administrations. The supermarket said it was “immensely grateful” for the financial and policy support provided by the government, adding that the rates relief was a “game-changer” for all retailers. It noted that…
Read More » -
1 DecemberClothing & Shoes
Debenhams to be wound down, 12,000 jobs at risk
Embattled department store chain Debenhams is to be wound down, placing 12,000 jobs at risk, after talks with JD Sports over a potential rescue deal failed. The business will continue to trade through its 124 UK stores, as well as online. If it does not receive any alternative offers from…
Read More » -
Nov- 2020 -30 NovemberComment
Arcadia Collapse: What went wrong?
Once a titan of UK retail, the collapse of Arcadia 10 years ago would have come as a shock to everyone on the high street, whereas in 2020, the road to its demise has been mapped for some time and has now finally reached its end – with its rivals…
Read More » -
30 NovemberClothing & Shoes
Frasers Group offers £50m to Arcadia Group
Frasers Group has confirmed that it has offered Arcadia Group a rescue loan of up to £50m, amid news that Sir Philip Green’s empire is on the brink of collapse. The retail group may reportedly decline the offer, however, as a senior Arcadia Group source told the BBC: “If this…
Read More » -
30 NovemberClothing & Shoes
Arcadia collapses into administration
Arcadia Group has collapsed into administration, placing 13,000 jobs at risk. It comes as the retail empire, owned by Sir Phillip Green, failed to secure urgent funding needed to keep it afloat following the effects of the pandemic. Read Retail Sector’s analysis – ‘Arcadia: Where did it all go wrong?’…
Read More » -
27 NovemberClothing & Shoes
Arcadia ‘could collapse’ next week
Sir Phillp Green’s retail empire Arcadia is reportedly on the verge of collapse, placing around 15,000 jobs at risk. According to Sky News, the retail group, which owns Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and Burton, could be set to appoint administrators from as early as next week. An insider told Sky that…
Read More » -
27 NovemberHigh Street
M&S reverses decision to open on Boxing Day
Marks and Spencer has announced that it will now close its stores on Boxing Day, having previously said it will keep 200 of its stores open. Following the Government’s announcement that restrictions will be temporarily relaxed for a five-day period from the 23-27 December, M&S added it it took the…
Read More » -
26 NovemberClothing & Shoes
Mulberry revenue falls 29% as lockdown hits sales
Mulberry has reported a 29% decline in revenue to £48.9m during the first half of the year, as the impact of the coronavirus pandemic impacted its sales. For the 26 weeks ending 26 September 2020, the retailer also revealed an adjusted loss before tax of £1.9m (2019: £10.1m) before adjusting…
Read More »