All Coronavirus articles – Page 5
-
News
Asda strike looms in the New Year as union votes for formal ballot
Asda is facing the looming prospect of a strike by distribution warehouse staff in the New Year, after workers voted to move to a formal strike ballot.
-
News
Landsec ups stake in Bluewater as retail values and rents stabilise
Institutional landlord Landsec has upped its stake in shopping centre Bluewater and agreed to sell a share to co-owner M&G as Covid continues to stabilise retail values and rents.
-
Opinion
‘This Christmas may not be normal but it will still be merry, thanks to retailers’ prowess’
Asked about the outlook for Christmas, retailers always like to reply: “It will be on December 25.”
-
News
Hush profits soar as Covid lockdowns fuel online sales surge
Hush has posted a surge in profits and sales after online revenues boomed during the first year of the coronavirus crisis.
-
News
Grocery bosses fear staff shortages as Omicron cases soar
Food industry leaders have warned the surge of Omicron cases in the UK could lead to staff shortages, cancelled deliveries and store closures during the crucial Christmas and new year trading period.
-
Data
Data: Confidence edges down as consumer interest in major purchases declines
The rising cost of living and the Omicron variant have led to a decrease in consumer confidence during the festive season.
-
Analysis
The 12 stories that rocked retail in 2021
2021 was a huge year for retail news. From surprise acquisitions and shock departures to new arrivals and supply chain woes, here are the stories that shook the industry
-
News
Harrods launches Sale ahead of Christmas as Omicron fears mount
Harrods is starting its famous winter Sale early as rocketing Covid case numbers and associated restrictions hit footfall in central London.
-
Opinion
‘As Boohoo warns on profits, the disruptors are increasingly looking like the disrupted’
While online powerhouse Boohoo’s ethical credentials have prompted fierce criticism, its operational prowess and consumer appeal have rarely been in question.
-
News
Retailers pulling all the levers to avoid Christmas staffing chaos
Retailers across different categories are working overtime to deal with increasing absenteeism and a repeat of the chaotic ‘pingdemic’ scenes of the summer as the new Covid-19 variant surges across the UK.
-
News
Currys boss Baldock: No justification for more Covid trading restrictions on retail
Currys chief executive Alex Baldock believes there are almost no circumstances in which further trading restrictions should be imposed on retailers as the latest Covid variant takes hold.
-
News
Currys profits rise despite supply chain disruption
Currys has reported an uplift in profits during its first half and insisted it will “ride out” ongoing supply chain challenges and “bumpy demand” heading into 2022.
-
Opinion
‘The mismatch between valuations and anticipated performance has never looked so wide’
As we sit at the beginning of December, there are many conflicting industry drivers for retail, which when combined lead to significant ambiguity moving into 2022.
-
Opinion
‘Omicron and Plan B are a hammer blow for the West End’s Christmas recovery’
After the optimism of November that saw West End footfall rise above pre-pandemic levels for the first time, the steady drizzle of Covid restrictions and warnings has dampened any Christmas spirit, writes Jace Tyrell of New West End Company.
-
News
Primark predicts sales gains despite supply chain and Covid disruption
Primark owner Associated British Foods expects sales at the retailer to rise in the coming months despite the reintroduction of coronavirus restrictions in Europe and supply chain challenges.
-
News
Plan B delivers another blow to shops as workers told to stay at home
The government’s ‘Plan B’ Covid-19 measures will hit footfall for many retailers as commuters will now be encouraged to work from home.
-
News
Quiz warns of potential effect of Omicron on Christmas as it delivers another loss
Quiz has reported a loss before tax and warned its stakeholders about the potential loss of sales due to the rise of the Omicron coronavirus variant in the run-up to Christmas.
-
News
McColl’s blames Covid-19 and supply chain disruption for falling sales and profits
The embattled c-store chain McColl’s has blamed falling sales and profits in the 2021 financial year on the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and supply chain issues.
-
Opinion
‘Tesco strike action will have other grocers fearing their own nightmare before Christmas’
While the spreading strike action at Tesco distribution centres is currently only affecting the UK’s largest grocer, the other supermarket chains will be watching on in fear
-
Data
Data: Grocery sales fall as inflation jumps to highest level in over a year
Grocery sales in the past month slumped as food inflation jumped to its highest level since last summer and the average cost of Christmas dinner surged.