Productivity
This coverage explores productivity in the UK retail industry, focusing on workforce effectiveness, operational efficiency, process innovation, and cost control. Reporting provides insight into how retailers optimise resources and performance to remain competitive — supporting executives, managers, and professionals driving improvement initiatives.
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Jun- 2023 -5 JuneNews
Supply chain pressures slow down retail growth
Continued supply chain pressures, including cost increases, delayed materials and shortages outrank workforce challenges and increasing business costs as a main concern for over a third (36%) of mid-sized businesses, according to latest research from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO. The bi-monthly survey, which was conducted on 500 medium-sized…
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1 JuneFeatures
Workjam: revolutionising the way HQs and frontlines work together
Can you tell us about your career leading up to WorkJam? I have 25 years in retail technology working in the SaaS arena in EMEA and North America, building go-to-market plans and delivering growth to the respective businesses. We are now growing exceptionally fast based on market drivers and Workjams’…
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May- 2023 -12 MayClothing & Shoes
Prada net revenues jump 22% to €1.06bn
Prada has reported that its net revenues increased 22% to €1.06bn (£928m) YoY despite an uncertain macroeconomic environment, according to its first quarter financial report ended 31 March 2023. It also achieved retail sales of €953m (£830m) in the first quarter of 2023, marking a 23% increase YoY, compared with…
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10 MayHealth & Beauty
Natura and Co Q1 profits up 2.4% to BRL5.4bn
Natura and Co has reported that its gross profits were up 2.8% to BRazilian Real (BRL) 5.4bn (£858m) in Q1 2023, compared with BRL5.2bn (£835m) it reported in the first quarter of 2022. Its adjusted EBITDA was also increased 41.3% to BRL841m (£133m). The brands Q1-23 consolidated net revenue was…
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Mar- 2023 -16 MarchEconomy
Retailers welcome budget but ‘missed opportunity’ for rates reform
Retail has welcomed the support for households in the face of the cost of living crisis in the chancellor’s Spring Budget but some have criticised it as a “missed opportunity” for business rates reform. Headline measures announced by the chancellor included an increase in corporation tax to 25% for businesses…
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14 MarchEconomy
Retail jobs at lowest four quarter average in over a decade
The number of retail jobs in the UK was down to its lowest average four quarter level in over a decade, according to ONS Labour Market figures. The four quarter average dropped to 3.05 million retail jobs in December 2022, down from 3.08 million in December 2021. The overall number…
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Feb- 2023 -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…
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Jan- 2023 -18 JanuaryClothing & Shoes
Burberry sales rise 1% amid Chinese ‘covid disruption’
British retailer Burberry has announced that its like for like sales only grew 1% for the 13 weeks ended 31 December 2022 as a result of covid related disruptions in China. When excluding China, the company’s sales rose 11%. Sales in the EMEIA region increased 19%, driven by sales to…
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16 JanuaryDepartment Stores
M&S announces £480m store investment plan
Marks and Spencer has announced a £480m plan to invest in 20 “bigger and better” stores over the next two years. The new store pipeline for 2023/24 includes eight full line destination stores in key city locations. These include a new 97k sq ft store in Leeds White Rose and…
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Dec- 2022 -5 DecemberHigh Street
CBI downgrades growth forecast to -0.4% amid ‘lacklustre outlook’
CBI has downgraded its GDP growth outlook significantly, to -0.4% in 2023 (from 1.0% in its last forecast), after a “turbulent year both politically and economically”. It said the reason behind the latest change is that the economy is likely to have fallen into a recession in Q3 2022, and…
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