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.
-
Feb- 2023 -7 FebruaryClothing & Shoes
Crew Clothing to open 40 brick-and-mortar stores by 2025
Crew Clothing has plans to open 40 new brick-and-mortar stores by 2025 across market towns and coastal resorts in the UK, according to The Times. The group’s decision to expand its portfolio of in-person stores comes as it recovered post-pandemic, as it revealed that online and store sales both increased…
Read More » -
6 FebruaryOnline & Digital
Amazon to sublet UK warehouses as growth slows
Amazon is reportedly planning to sublet its empty warehouses across the UK, as it has continued to halt growth plans after its full-year profits halved to $12.2bn (£9.9bn) in FY22. According to the Telegraph, Amazon has started subletting unused warehouse space across the country, despite estimations it opened hundreds of…
Read More » -
6 FebruaryNews
Mike Ashley eyes two shopping centres in £100m deal
Mike Ashley has lined up a £100m acquisition of two shopping centres, according to The Times. Frasers Group is in advanced talks to buy the Overgate centre in Dundee for £30m, along with The Mall in Luton in a £70m deal. The Overgate centre is currently owned by Legal and…
Read More » -
6 FebruaryEconomy
Trade bodies urge Govt to reform ‘broken’ apprenticeship levy
Four trade bodies within UK retail and hospitality, including the BRC, have called on the government to reform the “broken” apprenticeship levy system, as so far, £3.5bn has reportedly expired before businesses could make use of it. This call on the government comes as businesses were also unable to meet…
Read More » -
3 FebruaryComment
After a tough golden quarter, can Asos reclaim its crown?
The most recent golden quarter came as something of a pleasant surprise to the market. Across the retail sector, companies rejoiced as sales bounced back in the first Christmas period that was not disrupted by virus variants. Of course, the period was not without its tribulations. Businesses were still hit…
Read More » -
Jan- 2023 -31 JanuaryNews
Pets at Home raises profit outlook
Pet retailer Pets at Home has raised its profit outlook after record Q3 consumer revenues, for the 12 weeks ended 5 January 2023. Its consumer revenues rose 9% year on year boosted by a record number of consumers. Consumer revenues were also up 30% compared to pre-pandemic levels. The company…
Read More » -
31 JanuaryHigh Street
Wickes sales grow 5.2% as energy-saving products provide boost
Wickes has announced that its like-for-like sales grew by 5.2% in Q4 up to 31 December, as it saw strong demand for energy-saving products such as loft insulation and draught excluders. Its “Do It For Me” like-for-like sales soared 34.5%, which helped total group sales increase by 11.5% in the…
Read More » -
27 JanuaryDIY
Bensons for Beds sales up 7% over Christmas
Bensons for Beds saw like-for-like sales rise 7% for the last three months of 2022, compared to the same period the previous year. The group has attributed its performance to its investment in its stores and online platform, following leadership changes made in the summer. Across the quarter, the retailer…
Read More » -
27 JanuaryHigh Street
Store Vacancies fall to 13.8% in Q4
The overall vacancy rate improved to 13.8% in the fourth quarter of 2022, which was 0.1 percentage points better than Q3 and 0.6 percentage points better than the same period last year, according to the latest BRC/LDC monitor. This was the fifth consecutive quarter of falling vacancy rates. All locations…
Read More » -
27 JanuaryComment
Reasons retailers should prioritise delivery
The Covid-19 Pandemic accelerated the growth in e-Commerce and it is going to continue to grow as consumers value the convenience and ease of online shopping. Retailers need to have completely joined-up sales, fulfilment and returns processes. There is little point in having a slick website to sell the product…
Read More »
