Supply Chain
This coverage examines supply chain strategy and performance within the UK retail industry. Reporting highlights logistics innovation, inventory management, sourcing practices, supplier relations, technology adoption, and responses to disruption. Focused on efficiency, resilience, and commercial impact, it provides insights for retail executives and managers optimising operations and ensuring continuity.
-
Dec- 2018 -21 DecemberAdvice
How retailers can avoid the £2.4bn peak returns crisis
The Christmas peak period is often heralded as the saving grace of retail’s calendar. But any dramatic spike in sales also leads to a marked rise in the number of returned items – and this surge brings a multi-billion pound hangover which haunts UK retail through to January sales and…
Read More » -
20 DecemberAnalysis
The shift towards conscious consumerism
The UK’s ethical retail sector has grown by more than £40bn since 2008, with households spending an average of £1,263 on sustainable goods last year according to not-for-profit consultancy Ethical Consumer. With trends like Fairtrade and organic growing in prominence, people are wanting to know more about the provenance of…
Read More » -
13 DecemberHigh Street
HoF acquisition dents Sports Direct profits
Sports Direct has reported a 27% fall in profits for the half-year period ending 28 October as it counts the cost of its acquisition of embattled department store chain House of Fraser. During the period, the company that also owns USC, Flannels, and Evans Cycles reported underlying profit before tax…
Read More » -
4 DecemberClothing & Shoes
ASOS appoints Mark Holland as chief operating officer
ASOS has announced the appointment of Mark Holland to the newly-created role of chief operating officer. A member of ASOS’ executive board, Holland has worked for ASOS for six years. His most recent position was supply chain director, where he oversaw ASOS’ global trading, customer care and supply chain functions.…
Read More » -
3 DecemberHigh Street
McColl’s posts second profit warning amid ‘unprecedented supply chain disruption’
Convenience retailer McColl’s has announced that full-year profits are to come in below expectations as a result of “unprecedented supply chain disruption” following the collapse of supplier Palmer & Harvey. In light of “transitional challenges and continued difficult trading conditions”, McColl’s announced adjusted EBITDA for FY18 is now expected to…
Read More » -
Nov- 2018 -30 NovemberHigh Street
Retailers ‘unprepared’ for a ‘no-deal’ Brexit, warn analysts
An industry-wide survey has revealed that over a third of retailers indicated they have ‘done little to no preparation’ or feel ‘very underprepared’. According to the research by retail analytics firm Retail Economics, top retailer concerns for a no-deal scenario were supply chain management (64%), availability and cost of labour…
Read More » -
20 NovemberAdvice
The rise of the serial returner
By 2020 the e-commerce industry’s revenue is expected to reach £500bn. A wealth of opportunity awaits online sellers. Yet the rise of the ‘serial returner’ (individuals who buy goods but repeatedly return them after a few days and uses) presents a huge barrier for businesses hoping to succeed and grow…
Read More » -
15 NovemberHR
Human trafficking victims to be offered jobs in Apple stores
Apple has announced it is to partner with an NGO in order to help human trafficking victims become caretakers and landscapers at its stores. The technology firm will work alongside the UN’s International Organization for Migration to help the victims pass interviews. The victims will not work directly for Apple…
Read More » -
13 NovemberHigh Street
B&M posts double-digit sales and profit growth
B&M has announced a double-digit increase in both group revenues and profit before tax in the 26 week period ending 29 September. The discount retailer saw group revenue jump 16% to £1.56bn during the period as profit before tax increased by 32.5% up to £115m compared with the £86.6m recorded…
Read More » -
7 NovemberSupermarkets
New £45m Co-op distribution centre to create 1,200 jobs
The Co-op has agreed terms for a new £45m distribution depot to support the retailer’s ambitions for continued growth across London, the south and south-east. The new 661,000 sq ft depot, which will be located just off the A1 at Bedfordshire’s Symmetry Park, Biggleswade and is expected to open in…
Read More »
