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 -14 AprilCoronavirus
Oasis and Warehouse set to call in administrators
Fashion retailers Oasis and Warehouse are reportedly set to appoint administrators, placing around 2,000 jobs at risk. According to Sky News, The Oasis and Warehouse Group, which is owned by Icelandic lender Kaupthing, is set to appoint Deloitte as administrators in the coming days. It comes after a potential sale…
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14 AprilHigh Street
Matalan owner reportedly seeking £60m amid store closures
The owner of Matalan, John Hargreaves, is reportedly seeking a cash injection of £60m to support the fashion retailer through the Covid-19 pandemic, after the group was “forced” to close its 232 stores. According to the Mail on Sunday, a statement issued to bondholders claimed the retailer had not faced…
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14 AprilCoronavirus
Covid-19: Amazon seeks 75,000 new hires
Amazon announced that it is looking to hire an additional 75,000 employees across its operations in light of the ongoing coronavirus crisis. The group said that it continues to see “increased demand” as its teams support communities amid the ongoing pandemic, and for this reason will create the additional 75,000…
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14 AprilCoronavirus
Next reopens online operations amid Covid-19 crisis
Next has announced the reopening of its website after a two-week shut down amid the coronavirus pandemic. The company made the decision to temporarily cease online orders on 26 March after concerns about the health and safety of its warehouse employees were raised. The fashion retailer will resume online operations…
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14 AprilComment
How cashierless technology can impact loyalty for retailers
“We’re just getting started here”, said Cameron James, VP of Amazon’s physical retail division. “I think what we’re trying to do here — and with all of our physical stores — is really work backwards from the customer and deliver some differentiation.” James was speaking at the opening of Amazon’s…
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9 AprilDepartment Stores
Debenhams enters administration
Embattled department store chain Debenhams has officially entered administration, and has appointed Geoff Rowley and Alastair Massey of FRP Advisory to handle the process. The group said it has entered administration to “protect Debenhams in the UK from the threat of legal action” that could have the effect of pushing…
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9 AprilCoronavirus
AAB calls on government to enhance support for businesses
Accountancy firm Anderson Anderson and Brown (AAB) has called on the UK Government to implement a series of “wide-reaching” measures aimed at helping businesses to survive the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Lyn Calder, managing partner and also the firm’s head of deals for the Central Belt in Scotland,…
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9 AprilCoronavirus
Arcadia seeks £50m in funding
Sir Phillip Green is reportedly seeking out £50m to prop up Arcadia Group amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis. According to Sky News, Green’s retail empire has approached banks and hedge funds in regards to borrowing £50m against its distribution centre in Daventry, Northamptonshire. The site, which opened last year, functions…
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9 AprilOnline & Digital
Naked Wines forecasts £200m rise in sales amid coronavirus pandemic
Wine specialist Naked Wines has reported “good momentum” in its performance as it forecasts a £200m rise in its full-year revenues amid the coronavirus pandemic. The company, which operates internationally, said it has seen “strong demand” for its products through its online channel and has invested aggressively in new customer…
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8 AprilDepartment Stores
M&S announces series of initiatives to support NHS staff amid Covid-19
Marks and Spencer has announced a series of initiatives to support NHS staff amid the coronavirus pandemic. M&S has announced it is to donate thousands of specially branded t-shirts to form part of the uniform pack for the NHS Nightingale frontline team in London, as well as deliver clothing care…
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