The comment column is for retail professionals to have their say. Whether responding to published opinion, reacting to or challenging reports or commenting on retail trends and predictions this is where you can gauge sentiment on all sorts of retail focussed topics.
In the space of just a few months, the Covid-19 pandemic has turned the working landscape upside down. Businesses across the country have been forced to review and adjust their operating models - and make difficult decisions in order to
Commenting on non-essential retail stores re-opening from Monday 15 June, Paul Martin, UK head of retail at KPMG, said: “For those retailers that were deemed non-essential during the nation’s lockdown, the re-opening of stores on Monday 15 June mark a
According to new research from Engine Insights, 47% of consumers are willing to visit a store this week. While most consumers are feeling ready, they’re still slightly anxious about getting back to shopping brick and mortar, amidst continued health concerns,
It feels like a millennia ago that we were able to go into a store and browse the latest fashion, buy a coffee or sit and relax in a trendy bar. COVID -19 has changed the world – and it
The British Retail Consortium has reported that total UK sales have decreased in comparison to last year, due to continued shop closures caused by the UK’s lockdown; over the three months leading up to May, non-food in store sales dropped
Despite some encouraging recent data, the continuing impact of the COVID-19 virus is expected to see the UK economy contract by 7.2% in 2020, with the economy unlikely to be able to fully restart until a vaccine or effective treatments
Do all the visual assets on your website ‘spark joy,’ as tidying guru Marie Kondo, might ask? Just as being locked down has inspired many of us to do some deep spring-cleaning in our homes, it’s an equally ideal time
New research from workforce management expert, Quinyx, reveals the impact coronavirus is having on the mental health of deskless retail workers across the UK. The research reveals that pre-existing anxieties and mental health issues among deskless retail workers are being
As the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention – and as businesses continue to face the enormous challenges brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic, this has never felt more relevant. The speed at which the virus hit has
Physical stores remain a key driver to success for retailers, according to the latest research from global real estate advisor, CBRE. The government’s furlough scheme and business rates relief have provided lifelines for many retailers since the outbreak, but further
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the global economy has experienced severe hardship. In addition to the illness itself, the response strategies put forward by international public health organizations have been a necessary strain. Many business activities have come to a
Under Phase 2 of the Government’s Covid-19 recovery strategy roadmap, non-essential stores were supposed to open in phases starting on Monday. In the event, only open-air markets (and some car showrooms) actually opened, with the vast majority of retailers delayed
The central question each country – and in the U.S., each state – faces is how to trade off additional COVID-19 cases and the resulting deaths against the economic benefit of opening up the economy. Only an honest assessment of
The Coronavirus pandemic has created business challenges and opportunities alike, but how will it impact the future of supply chain recruitment? Read our latest insights to explore. By Leigh Anderson, managing director, Bis Henderson Recruitment
Businesses are still dealing daily with the complex and difficult challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic and it is clear this will be the case for sometime. At the moment, the focus is on tackling the immediate fallout – working
From drive-through Santa visits, to Christmas dinner in a bauble, multi-sensory experience expert Bompas & Parr has today launched a white paper looking to the future of Christmas celebrations post lockdown.
The hit to consumer spending caused by the Coronavirus pandemic is set to continue post-lockdown – as new research reveals over a third (34%) of shoppers predict they will spend less once restrictions are lifted.
The government’s announcement of an easing of lockdown measures marks a move into the next phase of the COVID-19 crisis for many businesses - and brings with it a new set of complex challenges. As I said at the start
In the current economic climate with a backdrop of Covid-19, lots of questions are being asked about the future of our high streets as we start to ease through the lockdown. Paul Latimer – the owner of Latimer Appleby –
Brands have an incredible opportunity to reinvent themselves and to dramatically accelerate their digital transformation, according to David Lloyd, general Manager, UK, Nordics and Netherlands at Alibaba Group. Commenting on the latest BRC-KMPG Retail Sales Monitor, which reported a record
Nothing forces change like a crisis. Retailers that have been slow to complete their digital transformation are now being forced into it by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The British Safety Council has today demanded that no worker be forced back to their workplace until it has been made safe. The government has indicated that more people should be going to work and last night the prime minister,
Bradley Williams, director of Unique Fire and Security, says fever screening technology will support businesses in protecting staff and customers as lockdown measures are relaxed
Fear. Uncertainty. A growing sense of panic every time the president delivers a national address about the far-reaching effects of the coronavirus. Chatter around the workplace these days is filled with questions like: Will I get sick? Will I have
Night-time store deliveries were last permitted during the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The idea was reawakened in March to help the fight against Covid-19. ParcelHero says this time night deliveries should be made permanent once the crisis is over,
