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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Jul- 2022 -28 JulyEconomy
Virgin Wines revenue up 63% on pre-Covid levels
Online wine retailer, Virgin Wines, has revealed that the company’s revenue is up 63% on a three-year, pre-Covid basis, compared to the FY19 result of £42.4m, highlighting that the business has retained much of the substantial growth achieved during the pandemic. However, it is reported that the company has a…
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27 JulyComment
Quick delivery companies must build a brand beyond just awareness
One of the many changes in consumer behaviour brought upon by the pandemic has been the growing reliance on the rapid delivery of essential items to the home. From the urgent need of toilet paper has spawned a new wave of demand for the quick delivery of ‘nice to haves’…
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27 JulyElectrical
Music Magpie posts H1 loss amid revenue drop
Music Magpie has posted a first half loss of £0.7m, down from profits of £4m, in the six months to 21 May 2022 as its revenues declined amid a post-pandemic drop in trading. During the period, its group revenues declined marginally to £71.3m (H1 2021: £72.8m) with Music Magpie adding…
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26 JulyComment
How physical stores can ensure they are refit for the future
The events of the past couple of years have accelerated the pace of change in the retail industry. Retailers have simultaneously had to react quickly to events out of their control, while also embracing the ongoing trends that were clear even before the pandemic hit. The role of the physical…
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26 JulyPeople Moves
Matalan founder returns as chairman
Matalan has announced that its founder, John Hargreaves, will return to the company as chairman, effective immediately. In this role, Hargreaves replaces Steve Johnson, the Matalan’s executive chair, who is stepping down from the board. Johnson first joined the business as non-executive chair, and he agreed to step into an…
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26 JulySupermarkets
Summer heatwave and alfresco dining help lift July supermarket sales
Grocery sales at UK supermarkets surged +4.4% in the last four weeks ending 16 July, with sales rising to +5.6% during the final week as inflation, coupled with the start of the summer heatwave, encouraged shoppers to spend more. That is according to data from NielsenIQ, which revealed that over…
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25 JulyComment
Pure London puts spotlight on Valencian footwear
Ariadna Vilalta on behalf of IVACE said: “Spanish footwear brands from the Valencia region are prestigious and recognised worldwide for their craftmanship, natural materials, quality, and generations of artisan-makers. There is an amazing connection between Spain and UK countries, and the Spanish footwear offer is well-known for its high quality,…
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22 JulyEconomy
Retail sales fall in June despite Platinum Jubilee celebrations
Retail sales dropped by 0.1% in June 2022 following a fall of 0.8% in May 2022 despite the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee boost, according to data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The data, which covers 29 May to 2 July 2022, revealed that sales volumes were 2.2% above its…
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21 JulyEconomy
Dunelm FY trading beats expectations
Dunelm has reported its full-year sales and profits have beaten expectations, reporting total sales of £1.55bn in the year to 25 June 2022, an increase of 16% compared with the same period the year prior. The homeware retailer’s total sales are 40% higher than the FY 2019 and digital sales…
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20 JulyNews
Ocado Retail CEO Melanie Smith to step down
Ocado Retail has announced that its chief executive, Melanie Smith CBE, will leave the business after three years in the role, effective 31 August 2022. As part of the transition process, Smith will be handing over to Lawrence Hene on an interim basis, who previously was deputy CEO at Ocado…
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