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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Jun- 2021 -30 JuneElectrical
Dixons Carphone profits reach £33m amid online surge
Dixons Carphone has reported pre-tax profits of £33m for the year ended 1 May 2021, climbing from a £140m loss last year when the group was hit by the effects of Covid-19. Revenue for the period reached £10.3bn and was boosted by a 103% online sales growth to £4.7bn during…
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30 JuneEconomy
GDP shrinks 1.6% in Q1
The UK’s quarterly gross domestic product (GDP) fell an estimated 1.6% in Q1 2021, a larger margin than the previously expected decline of 1.5%. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that GDP is now 8.8% below the final pre-pandemic quarter of October to December 2019. Moreover, compared with the…
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30 JuneOnline & Digital
Studio Retail profit soars 513% in FY21
Studio Retail has reported that profit-before-tax skyrocketed 513% in its financial results for the year ended 26 March 2021. The retail group revealed its plans to target a revenue of £1bn, after the online shopping firm posted profits of £41.7m, a rise from the £6.8m it posted in the previous…
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29 JuneAdvice
How retailers can reduce cart abandonment rates
Covid-19 restrictions have radically altered consumer shopping behaviours over the past year. While brick and mortar stores used to be at the forefront of consumers’ minds, e-commerce is now the first point of contact for anyone looking to shop. According to research, digital sales in 2020 accounted for a third…
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29 JuneHealth & Beauty
Boots UK launches online doctor services
Boots UK has launched an online doctor services for 45 healthcare conditions ranging from skin conditions, sexual health and family planning, weight loss support, diabetes testing and menopause treatments. The company said its online services can provide customers with “quick access” to advice and prescription-only medicine without having to see…
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29 JuneHigh Street
MPs calls for ‘stronger policing’ to protect retail staff
The Home Affairs Committee has called for a “much stronger policing response” to tackle violence and abuse against shopworkers, as well as more support from employers and more prevention work on local high streets. The news follows a recent survey by The Association of Convenience Stores which found that 89%…
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28 JuneSupermarkets
Scottish Grocers Federation partners with Paypoint
The Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) has announced its new partnership with Paypoint, the instore payment service, which will join a corporate member of the trade association’s board. As part of the partnership, both the SGF and Paypoint will focus on “rebuilding relationships” with other retail partners coming out of the…
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28 JuneHigh Street
Greggs sales ‘stronger than anticipated’ post-lockdown
Greggs has revealed that the level of sustained sales recovery is “stronger than anticipated” since its previous trading update, adding that if it were to continue, its performance would have a positive impact on its full-year results. In recent weeks, while the impact of pent-up demand for retail has reduced,…
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25 JuneEconomy
Long-term WFH may damage ‘perfectly good’ retailers, says BIRA CEO
A permanent working from home post-lockdown model could damage “perfectly good” businesses, according to the British Independent Retailers Association’s (BIRA) CEO. In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Andrew Goodacre addressed how businesses in London would specifically be adversely affected by such a change. Goodacre’s intervention comes after research from…
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25 JuneCoronavirus
Consumer confidence remains stable despite restrictions delay
Consumer confidence remained stable at -9 in June despite the government’s recent announcement to delay the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, according to GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index. The index revealed that although four measures were up in comparison to the 21 May announcement, one measure was down. The index measuring…
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