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.
-
Jul- 2020 -17 JulyCoronavirus
BFC calls on government support of fashion industry
The British Fashion Council (BFC) has called on the government to provide more support for Britain’s fashion industry in the wake of Covid. It comes as the group today released new data from Oxford Economics that “reinforces the stark reality of the impact of the global pandemic on the British…
Read More » -
Jun- 2020 -22 JuneComment
The perfect storm?
There is something of a ‘perfect storm’ for our town centres… Fewer shops trading than a few months ago, big brands announcing further closures, plans already on the table for repurposing retail space no longer viable, travel restrictions making it harder for people to reach town centres, now fewer people…
Read More » -
19 JuneClothing & Shoes
92% of shopworkers oppose longer Sunday working hours, says Usdaw
Some 92% of retail staff in England have opposed large shops opening for more than six hours on a Sunday, as the government considers deregulating Sunday trading. According to a survey by shopworkers trade union Usdaw, 66% of the 11,000 retail staff said they feel they are pressured to work…
Read More » -
15 JuneHigh Street
Travis Perkins to cut 2,500 jobs amid Covid-19 pandemic
Wickes owner Travis Perkins has revealed plans to cut almost 2,500 jobs amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. It comes amid a consultation process regarding the closure of around 165 branches across its overall estate, representing approximately 8% of the group’s network. The company said branch closures will be concentrated in…
Read More » -
11 JuneAdvice
Beat the business lockdown blues with these four quick brand creation steps
The ‘New Normal’ that everyone is talking about doesn’t look like it’s going to be up and running for a while yet. Sure, some non-essential shops are opening, but a lot of businesses should be prepared for reduced customer activity and tightened purse-strings. These four straightforward tips can help you…
Read More » -
11 JuneEconomy
Majority of SMEs believe UK is headed for deep recession post-pandemic
Almost seven in 10 (69%) small business owners believe the UK is heading for a deep recession following the coronavirus pandemic and resulting lockdown, according to new research from FreeAgent. In addition, almost three quarters (73%) believe many small businesses will struggle to make enough money to survive and two…
Read More » -
May- 2020 -27 MayComment
Collaborating with landlords in a post-lockdown world
Earlier this month the government published its roadmap to ending the lockdown. It’s clear from the document that retail’s exit from lockdown will be slow and taken in phases. Even when retailers are allowed to reopen bricks and mortar stores, they will have to contend with a dip in economic…
Read More » -
22 MayEconomy
Consumer confidence drops further in May
GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index has decreased by one point to -34 for May, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues. The measure for the general economic situation of the country during the last 12 months has dropped seven points to -55, 25 points lower than in May 2019. Additionally, expectations for…
Read More » -
Apr- 2020 -30 AprilComment
Will coronavirus permanently change millennials and Gen Z retail habits?
Bushfires decimating Australia, the fraught finalising of Brexit, and a global virus pandemic – so far, 2020 has been a year of challenges. For the UK’s older teenagers, the already turbulent world around them has become even more uncertain. Any plans to begin higher education or full-time employment have been…
Read More » -
28 AprilComment
Furlough – what next?
The Government’s Job Retention Scheme was set up urgently to support employers and protect employees during lockdown. Such state intervention, unprecedented in the UK, is designed to facilitate a quick rebound of the economy once business activity resumes. But as the crisis drags on, the lockdown has already been extended…
Read More »
