Recession
This coverage analyses the effects of economic recession on UK retail, focusing on consumer behaviour, business resilience, cost-cutting strategies, and market performance. Reporting provides insight into sales trends, operational adjustments, leadership decisions, and recovery planning — supporting retail executives, managers, and owners navigating economic downturns and sustaining commercial viability.
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Sep- 2022 -13 SeptemberAdvice
Thinking critically about customer reviews
Unfortunately it’s no secret that consumers and retailers alike are staring down the barrel of an economic recession. With shoppers facing double-digit inflation they’re (understandably) tightening their belts to make the most of every penny and are seeking reassurance that when they do spend, they are doing so wisely. Cue…
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12 SeptemberEconomy
BoE delays interest rates decision
The Bank of England (BoE) has delayed its interest rates decision for one week, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee, which was expected to further raise interest rates, is now expected to be held at 12pm on 22 September, in light of…
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9 SeptemberEconomy
UK workers face £2,000 hit to real wages
UK workers are facing a £2,000 hit to their real wages by the end of 2022 as the UK economy confronts a “highly volatile and uncertain” inflationary outlook, according to the latest PwC Economic Outlook. PwC expects that the UK will likely report growth of between 3.6% in the “mild…
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5 SeptemberEconomy
UK retail sector M&A deals increase 21% on last year
The number of M&A deals targeting UK retailers has increased by 21% in the last year, up from 28 transactions to 34 in the last 12 months, as deals in the sector “buck the overall slowdown in M&A”, according to RPC, the international law firm. Overall, UK M&A activity has…
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Aug- 2022 -23 AugustAnalysis
Do staff cuts really help in a recession?
The European fashion retailer, Zalando, has predicted a return to growth of up to 3% in H2 despite a 58% profit drop during Q2, which reportedly brought the company’s operating profit down to £64.7m from £153.3m in the same period last year. In light of these results, and in spite…
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12 AugustAdvice
Supply chain: How to avoid price rows in inflationary times
Managing price negotiations with key suppliers can be challenging at the best of times, but with inflation at a record high and a cost of living crisis affecting households across the country, there is an increased risk of disputes arising. By working collaboratively however, both sides of the negotiating table…
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10 AugustEconomy
Heatwave helps boost retail sales 2.3% in July
Retail sales increased 2.3% in July as the heatwave experienced across the UK helped boost demand for “hot weather essentials”, according to the latest data from the BRC and KPMG retail sales monitor. UK retail sales increased 1.6% on a like-for-like basis from July 2021, when they had increased 4.7%.…
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9 AugustAnalysis
How luxury brands are turning to young consumers to boost sales
Despite the cost-of-living crisis having a firm grip on consumers, it seems that luxury brands are finding ways to retain and attract young customers through refreshing their campaigns, diversifying their offering and leaning into sustainable initiatives. Hugo Boss kicked off 2022 with “social-first” campaigns, for example, that made use of…
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5 AugustEconomy
Tax cuts won’t solve economic crisis, says Next CEO
Simon Wolfson, the chief executive of fashion retailer Next, has claimed that inflationary pressures can only be tackled by increasing the supply of goods and workers as tax cuts will not solve the challenges facing the British economy, according to The Telegraph. The Telegraph reported that Wolfson also predicted that…
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5 AugustGovernment
UK recession can be averted, claims Truss
In an interview with Sky News’s Kay Burley last night (4 August), foreign secretary Liz Truss claimed she could avert a recession if she wins the leadership contest. The claim comes after the Bank of England projected that the UK would enter a recession in this year’s fourth quarter, with…
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