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- 2020 -16 JulyClothing & Shoes
Next set for Victoria’s Secret UK takeover
Next has reportedly agreed an outline deal to acquire the UK arm of Victoria’s Secret, fending off competition from Marks and Spencer and other bidding rivals. According to Sky News, Next has been chosen as the “preferred” franchise partner for the lingerie brand by Deloitte, who were called in as…
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15 JulyClothing & Shoes
Asos reports 10% sales rise during lockdown
Online fashion retailer Asos has reported a 10% increase in group sales to £1.01bn amid the Covid-19 pandemic and has said it is on “track” to deliver “strong profit growth” across its financial year. In the four months to 30 June, sales growth was driven by its international retail sales,…
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15 JulyCoronavirus
Dunelm sales down despite online boom
Dunelm has revealed its total sales were down by 28.6% in its fourth quarter of trading. In the quarter ended 27 June, store like-for-like sales plummeted by 49.7% following estate-wide closures, though online business soared by 85.2%. While sales crashed by 78% in April and 48% in May, the group…
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14 JulyOnline & Digital
AO World reports ‘strong demand’ as revenues rise
AO World said it has experienced “strong demand” during the coronavirus pandemic, reporting a 20.3% increase in revenues to £901.6m, compared with £79.3m in 2019. However, revenues from its Europe arm decreased by 4.6% to €165.4m (£149.70m) during the year ended 31 March 2020, compared with €173.3m (£156.85m) in the…
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10 JulyGovernment
Usdaw ‘disappointed’ PM fails to back shop worker protection law
Retail trade union Usdaw has criticised the prime minister for failing to back a new law to protect shop workers from violence. The trade union has called for a firm commitment from the government to take all available actions to tackle the issue. The news comes as Usdaw revealed one…
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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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9 JulyCoronavirus
John Lewis shutters eight stores, 1,300 jobs at risk
John Lewis has confirmed it will not be reopening eight sites across the UK, and will now enter into consultation with impacted employees across its estate. The move will reportedly place 1,300 jobs at risk. The sites that are now set to close their doors include its travel hub shops…
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8 JulyClothing & Shoes
H&M to close 170 stores worldwide
H&M has announced plans to close 170 of its stores worldwide after increasing the pace of the closures due to the impact of the coronavirus. The announcement, which came in a six-month trading update for the second quarter of the year, also revealed that the H&M group’s net sales decreased…
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8 JulyEconomy
Government to crack down on violence against shopworkers
The government has vowed to crack down on violence and abuse against shopworkers. In a statement, yesterday the Home Office said it will work with National Retail Crime Steering Group (NRCSG) on a best practice guide to support staff in reporting these crimes, strengthening and making full use of existing…
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7 JulyHigh Street
Halfords cycling sales soar during lockdown
Halfords has reported a surge in sales for cycling related products and services during the Covid-19 lockdown in its preliminary results for the year ended 3 April 2020. The retailer’s cycling business was up 57.1% on a life-for-like basis, which Halfrods said was “significantly boosted” by the avoidance of public…
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