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- 2023 -6 MarchHigh Street
Starbucks to open 100 new stores as revenues increase 37%
Starbucks has announced plans to open 100 new stores in the UK after its revenues increased 37% to £449m for the year ended 2 October 2022. The company will invest £30m in the UK on a number of initiatives including opening new stores and renovating existing ones. The move comes…
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3 MarchClothing & Shoes
Ted Baker owner considers Hunter Boot bid
Owner of Ted Baker and Reebok Authentic Brands Group (ABG) is reportedly weighing up a move to acquire Hunter Boot, according to Sky News. It is unclear how serious ABG are about bidding for the footwear company which holds a royal warrant for footwear. The business is up for auction…
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1 MarchFeatures
What tenants need to know as Covid rent arrears support ends
The Government’s support for commercial tenants with rent arrears from the pandemic has ended, giving landlords the opportunity to take action for non-payment of rents. Fuelled by the cost-of-business crisis, the financial situation for businesses and tenants is more precarious than ever, making it vital to prepare for a potential…
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1 MarchHigh Street
B&M announces store reshuffle
Discount retailer B&M has announced that it is closing a number of stores over the next few weeks not for financial reasons but as part of a reshuffle of its store estate According to The Mirror, the closures are due to some stores moving to bigger sites or other external…
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Feb- 2023 -28 FebruaryDepartment Stores
Pippa Wicks steps down as John Lewis director
Pippa Wicks, the executive director of John Lewis, has announced she is standing down from the group with immediate effect. She will be succeeded by Naomi Simcock, who is currently retail director of the brand, on an interim basis. Following Wicks’ departure, Simcock will lead the delivery of the 2023…
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28 FebruarySupermarkets
Ocado losses widen to £500m
Ocado Group has revealed its losses widened to £500m for the 52-week period ended 27 November 2022, as the online grocer said its retail revenues struggled amid the cost of living crisis. According to the update, Ocado reported its group revenues remained relatively flat at £2.5bn, however, its retail revenues…
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22 FebruaryFeatures
Could stationery retailers be facing a future in concessions?
Stationery retailers have not had a brilliant start to the year, as shown by a succession of less-than-stellar financial results from big players in this corner of the market, such as Ryman and WHSmith. For starters, Ryman reported a loss of £8.5m in earnings for the first time in 25…
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17 FebruaryClothing & Shoes
Cath Kidston owner explores sale of business
The owner of the Cath Kidston is reportedly exploring a sale of the business only eight months after buying it. According to Sky News, owner Hilco Capital has been approached by a “number” of potential buyers who are interested in acquiring the modern vintage brand. Sources told Sky that Hilco…
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15 FebruaryDepartment Stores
Dunelm profits fall 17% despite sales increase
Home retailer Dunelm has announced a 17% fall in its pre tax profits to £117m, down from £141m, for the 26 weeks ended 31 December 2022. The firm revealed the fall in profit comes despite a 5% increase in sales to £835m compared with £766m from the first half of…
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15 FebruaryHigh Street
Lush appoints new UK&I head of retail
Lush has announced the appointment of Kasey Swithenbank as the brand’s new head of retail for the UK and Ireland. Swithenbank has over 13 years of experience with the retailer, having previously managed and directed over 100 Lush shop managers. She joined Lush as a sales associate in the Cardiff…
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