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 -28 JulySupermarkets
Sainsbury’s trials virtual queuing system
Sainsbury’s is piloting a virtual queuing system to test whether the technology will help customers “stay safe, save time and shop conveniently” in stores. The trial, which will run via the app ufirst, will be live in five stores from Monday (3 August) and is the first time this technology…
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28 JulyDepartment Stores
Harrods boss warns tourists may not return until 2022
The managing director of the iconic department store Harrods has warned that US and Asian tourists may not return until 2022 after the store revealed a significant drop in the number of visitors to the store. According to The Telegraph, Ward, speaking to investment bank Jeffiries, revealed the number of…
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27 JulyClothing & Shoes
Arcadia on verge of launching restructuring process
Arcadia is reportedly set to launch a restructuring process just a year after it pushed from a CVA proposal, as it battles to overcome the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic. According to the Sunday Times, the retail group owned by Sir Philip Green has presented a cost-cutting plan to…
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27 JulyHigh Street
Hotel Chocolat sees 200% digital sales boost during Q4
Confectionery retailer Hotel Chocolat has reported a 200% surge in digital sales during its fourth quarter of trading. This was supported by a 47% year-on year increase in the sales of subscriptions and recurring purchases. It comes after the group reported a 3% increase in revenues to £136m for the…
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24 JulyCoronavirus
Consumer anxiety halves in June
The number of consumers comfortable about returning to shops almost doubled from May to June, with “anxious consumers becoming optimistic consumers”, according to EY. The firm’s third Future Consumer Index found that comfort about shopping in grocery stores rose from 25% in May to 48% in June. The amount of…
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24 JulyTips
How Covid-19 has changed consumer behaviour
We are five months into one of the most catastrophic events of recent history, and the world’s economies are still reeling from its effects. Almost overnight, people’s lifestyles and behaviours have changed dramatically. Small businesses and major corporations alike are struggling to cope with a radically different retail landscape that…
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24 JulyHigh Street
Dyson to axe 900 jobs
Dyson is set to cut almost 900 jobs as a result of consumers turning to online purchases during the Covid-19 pandemic. The group said the Covid-19 crisis has “accelerated changes” in consumer behaviour, which has required Dyson to change in how it engages with its customers and how it sells…
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24 JulyOnline & Digital
Naked Wines chairman to step down
Naked Wines chairman, John Walden, has announced he will step down from the position. Walden has informed the board of his intention to step down as chairman of the group and leave the board after the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 6 August due to “personal reasons”. Walden said: “It…
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24 JulyCoronavirus
Retail sales boosted in June
The volume of retail sales rose by 13.9% in June against May figures, as non-food and fuel stores continued their recovery in the wake of the pandemic. According to the latest figures from the ONS, the two monthly increases of retail sales in May and June have brought total sales…
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22 JulyComment
Ensuring digital accessibility is part of the retail journey
The rapid acceleration of digital transformation has been one of the most remarkable aspects of the global response to the coronavirus pandemic, with people literally Zooming to stay in touch and accessing online products and services in unprecedented numbers. There is little doubt that the coronavirus has dealt a devastating…
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