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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Apr- 2020 -20 AprilDepartment Stores
Debenhams closes seven stores amid further landlord talks
Debenhams has announced the permanent closure of seven of its stores resulting in the loss of 422 jobs and has entered negotiations with landlords over some of its remaining stores. The department store chain, which entered administration earlier this month, closed seven of its sites including its Westfield Shepherds Bush…
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20 AprilCoronavirus
DFS remains ‘confident’ as it plans equity raise
DFS has confirmed that it is in the advanced stages of negotiating an additional debt facility amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The furniture retailer is now seeking between £60m and £70m of funding with its existing lending banks in order to supplement its existing bank facility of £250m. This additional…
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17 AprilHigh Street
Laura Ashley appoints third administrator amid Covid-19 crisis
Embattled retailer Laura Ashley has appointed a third administrator amid growing pressure from the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the UK. PwC has confirmed that Rachael Wilkinson, business restructuring services director at the firm, has been appointed to support the business during this time. She joins Rob Lewis and Zelf Hussain of…
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17 AprilCoronavirus
Covid-19: EWM introduces pandemic clauses into Bonmarché leases
Edinburgh Woolen Mill (EWM) is reportedly introducing pandemic clauses into any new Bonmarché leases it is due to sign with landlords, after its owner Phillip Day bought the firm out of administration last year. According to Retail Week, the new clauses mean EWM can agree on new Bonmarché store leases…
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17 AprilCoronavirus
TM Lewin seeks interested buyers
TM Lewin is reportedly in talks with potential buyers in light of the ongoing effects of the global pandemic. According to Sky News, the London-based retailer is now up for sale just days after Oasis and Warehouse collapsed into administration. Bain Capital, the private equity group that has backed TM…
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16 AprilCoronavirus
Government extends lockdown for ‘at least’ three more weeks
The government has announced an extension to the coronavirus lockdown for “at least” a further three weeks. The decision was announced at today’s (16 April) press briefing which was led by foreign secretary Dominic Raab. It also comes after Raab led an emergency Cobra committee and cabinet meetings about the…
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16 AprilSupermarkets
Waitrose launches initiatives to support ‘most vulnerable’ suppliers
Waitrose has revealed a number of initiatives it has launched to support its most vulnerable suppliers during the Covid-19 pandemic. As well as supporting British producers and farmers, the supermarket said it is helping the “most vulnerable” communities in developing countries that supply food and other products through the Waitrose…
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16 AprilCoronavirus
Zalando adds initiatives to support fashion brands despite Q1 loss
Zalando has revealed a series of new initiatives to help support its fashion brands during the current coronavirus pandemic, despite it expecting to post a first quarter loss. In a trading update for the first three months of the year, the company said it expects an adjusted EBIT in a…
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15 AprilCoronavirus
Covid-19 could cause UK economy to shrink by 35%, says OBR
The UK’s economy could shrink by as much as 35% in the second quarter of 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has said. The watchdog is also predicting a 13% drop in annual GDP as a result of the outbreak, which it said would…
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15 AprilSupermarkets
Morrisons offers NHS staff 10% discount for 12 weeks amid Covid-19 crisis
‘Big 4’ grocer Morrisons has announced a 10% discount on shopping for all NHS staff for 12 weeks to support them through the coronavirus pandemic. The discount comes into effect from Thursday this week (16 April) and will last until 12 June, when it will be reviewed. The supermarket said…
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