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 -3 AprilCoronavirus
Chancellor unveils new measures to SME loan scheme
Chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak has unveiled a major overhaul to his previously announced SME loan scheme. Initially, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) was aimed at businesses unable to secure regular commercial financing as the virus took its toll on the UK’s economy. However, according to Sky…
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3 AprilHealth & Beauty
Boots reports 18% decrease in operating income amid Covid-19 virus outbreak
Health and beauty retailer Boots has reported a 18.7% decrease in operating income to $1.2bn (£973m) as a result of the Covid-19 virus pandemic. In its six months to 29 February, Boots reported its sales increased by 3.7% to $35.8bn (£29.1bn), as operating income decreased by 12% to $1.7bn (£1.38bn).…
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2 AprilCoronavirus Featured Content
Coronavirus changing UK’s shopping habits, survey reveals
A new weekly survey has revealed how UK consumers’ relationships with a range of sectors is “changing” as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Coronavirus UK Consumer Tracker from research firm Rare analysed in-store and online purchasing behaviour in the retail, grocery, DIY, beauty, entertainment and alcohol sectors. Compiled…
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2 AprilCoronavirus
Pets at Home to beat guidance amid spiked demand
Pets at Home has revealed that its closing weeks of full-year trading saw “exceptional levels of demand” amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. In the period ended 26 March 2020, existing customers increased their average basket size, whilst new customers have accessed its pet products and healthcare services. Trading was largely…
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1 AprilCoronavirus
A fifth of SMEs at risk of collapse, say experts
Almost a fifth of SMEs will not survive the coronavirus crisis, according to new findings from the Corporate Finance Network. The group predicted that the closures would take place within the next four weeks despite government support measures, as the pandemic continues to unfold and affect retail. The network, which…
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1 AprilHigh Street
JD Sports to withhold quarterly rent amid Covid-19 lockdown
Sports fashion retailer JD Sports has announced it is withholding its quarterly rent in bid to mitigate the effects of the UK lockdown. According to The Guardian, JD Sports has not paid the rent due for its 390 stores, and is reportedly in discussions with the next bill due in…
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Mar- 2020 -31 MarchSupermarkets
WHSmith launches partnership with Sainsbury’s amid Covid-19 virus outbreak
WHSmith and Sainsbury’s has announced its partnership to help NHS staff amid the coronavirus pandemic. WHSmith will be stocking an extended range of Sainsbury’s grocery products to “support the incredible work of the NHS through this challenging time.” The partnership will be available in over 80 hospital stores to include…
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31 MarchCoronavirus
Matalan employees furloughed, ‘massive win’ for safety says GMB
Matalan has announced all warehouse staff will be offered furlough leave in light of the coronavirus pandemic. The GMB said the move was a “massive win for victory and common sense”, and came after the union and workers put “sustained pressure” on the retailer. The union said that the “massive…
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31 MarchSupermarkets
UK supermarket sales surge amid Covid-19 outbreak
British consumers made over 79 million extra grocery shopping trips in the last four weeks, with total till sales at supermarkets surging to 20.5%, according to new data from Nielsen. The uptick in sales was particularly pronounced in the week ending 21 March, which saw a “massive” 43% weekly growth…
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31 MarchOnline & Digital
Online sales see mixed result during first week of lockdown
During the first week of the new pandemic guidelines, online retail sales growth was down -2.2% year-on-year (YoY), according to the latest IMRG Capgemini Online Retail Index. Though fairly flat, IMRG said the result concealed a “much more tumultuous picture” at a category level. One of three standout categories, last…
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