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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Mar- 2020 -27 MarchClothing & Shoes
River Island shuts distribution centre
River Island has announced the temporary closure of its distribution centre in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The fashion retailer said that the move would help to protect its teams and “make sure they can do the right thing to keep their families and community safe”. The group said…
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26 MarchClothing & Shoes
Quiz expects March results ‘materially’ below board expectations
Fashion retailer Quiz has warned that its March revenues and margins are expected to be “materially low” compared with the board’s expectations amid the coronavirus pandemic. Quiz said that prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, its year-to-date performance was set to be in line with expectations. Quiz said since the start…
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26 MarchCoronavirus
Covid-19: Banks under fire over emergency loan scheme
Banks have come under fire over government-backed emergency loans which require business owners to sign for a personal guarantee, as the UK battles with the Covid-19 pandemic. The British Business Bank (BBB) opened applications for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) on Monday (23 March), and claimed the loan…
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26 MarchCoronavirus
Intu receives only third of rent
Intu revealed that it has received only 29% of its second quarter rent that was due from tenants on 25 March. For the same period last year, it had received 77% on the quarter day, and the group is now in discussions with its customers regarding the outstanding rents. In…
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26 MarchComment
Preventing inevitable recession from becoming depression
The global economy is heading into a recession, initially at least a pretty severe one. The measures introduced by governments in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus are having a dramatic effect on huge swathes of economic activity. There is the direct loss of output and employment…
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26 MarchClothing & Shoes
Arcadia ends fixed-term contracts early in view of Covid-19
Philip Green’s Arcadia Group has reportedly informed its employees that it will be ending fixed-term contracts early as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. In a letter seen by Drapers, the fashion retailer said that the retail industry has been “significantly impacted” by high levels of “consumer uncertainty” and as…
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26 MarchCoronavirus
Superdrug to stay open amid coronavirus outbreak
Health and beauty retailer Superdrug has revealed its new measures to protect its employees and customers amid the coronavirus pandemic. Superdrug has also confirmed its stores will remain open following the government announcement to close all non-essential services. In an email sent to customers, Superdrug’s CEO Peter Macnab said the…
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26 MarchClothing & Shoes
Asos ‘playing Russian roulette’ with employees, says GMB Union
Asos has been accused of “playing Russian roulette with people’s lives” by the GMB Union, one of the largest trade unions in the UK and Ireland. The union claims that social distancing has not been enforced in the fashion retailer’s “packed” warehouses amid the coronavirus pandemic. It is now calling…
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25 MarchCoronavirus
Ebay and Amazon failing to prevent profiteering, says Which
Ebay and Amazon are failing to crack down on profiteering amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to Which. An investigation led by the research group found a “consistent overpricing” of household items, including cleaning products, thermometers, baby formula and tampons. The CMA had previously warned traders to not exploit panic-buying amid…
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25 MarchDepartment Stores
Fenwick closes online operations amid Covid-19 virus outbreak
Department store Fenwick has announced the temporary closure of its online operations amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Fenwick closed all its retail stores across the UK last week and has now ceased its e-commerce operations after the prime minister urged all stores selling “non-essential” products to close to help prevent…
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