Retail news

• Sunak’s stimulus can’t make a winner out of donkey William Hill

  17-03-2020 20:56
  Dixons Carphone cuts costs just in time for coronavirus
  
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• This crisis calls for massive government intervention: here's how to do it | Emmanuel Saez and Gabriel Zucman

  17-03-2020 20:36
  
  The state should step in as payer of last resort for businesses facing shutdown as coronavirus hits them hardSee all our coronavirus coverageCoronavirus threatens the world’s economic life, and current proposals from governments around the globe are failing to match the scale of the crisis. Today, the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced £330bn of loans and that some companies would not have to pay business rates for the next 12 months. While loans help businesses in the short term, th
  
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• Governments should take bold new measures to save business in this crisis: here's one | Emmanuel Saez and Gabriel Zucman

  17-03-2020 20:36
  
  The state should step in as payer of last resort for businesses facing shutdown as coronavirus hits them hardSee all our coronavirus coverageCoronavirus threatens the world’s economic life, and current proposals from governments around the globe are failing to match the scale of the crisis. Today, the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced £330bn of loans and that some companies would not have to pay business rates for the next 12 months. While loans help businesses in the short term, th
  
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• The Guardian view on the UK’s Covid-19 economic plan: fine sentiment, but lacks details | Editorial

  17-03-2020 20:22
  
  The government is mobilising the power of the state, though it is unclear whether it will be used to help those most in need of assistance during the coronavirus shutdownBritain has finally declared war on Covid-19. Ministers say that the science left them no alternative but to fight. This was never a war of choice. The virus is no ordinary foe. It knows no borders. Having found a human host somewhere in the Chinese city of Wuhan a few months ago, the virus has caused more than 190,000 diagnosed
  
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• High street brands in fight for survival amid coronavirus fallout

  17-03-2020 19:57
  
  Laura Ashley goes into administration, Mountain Warehouse considers 2,000 layoffs and Carluccio’s warns of major closuresCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageLaura Ashley has collapsed into administration as other well-known high street brands warn of looming jobs cuts and closures due to the coronavirus outbreak.The warnings came as the UK chancellor, Rishi Sunak, unveiled a fresh package of economic measures to support businesses and individuals under financi
  
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• Laura Ashley falls into administration as coronavirus hits trading

  17-03-2020 19:50
  Chain not in ‘a position to draw down additional funds’
  
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• Amazon to suspend non-essential shipments to UK and US warehouses

  17-03-2020 19:15
  
  The company is prioritising five categories of goods which it classifies as essential productsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageOnline retail giant Amazon is stopping sellers from sending non-essential items to its UK and US warehouses until 5 April, to make space for vital items needed by its customers during the coronavirus outbreak.Amazon wrote to its third-party sellers, some of whom use the company’s logistics to store and dispatch their products, to in
  
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• Rishi Sunak promises to guarantee £330bn loans to business

  17-03-2020 18:42
  
  ‘Unprecedented’ package to shore-up UK economy as the coronavirus outbreak escalatesThe government will guarantee £330bn of loans to businesses in an “unprecedented” package of financial support to shore-up the British economy as the coronavirus outbreak escalates.The chancellor, Rishi Sunack, said on Tuesday if more help was needed it would be provided, with a pledge to deliver “whatever it takes” to keep companies and people solvent. Continue reading..
  
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• Sainsbury’s to close its meat, fish and pizza service counters to free up staff

  17-03-2020 18:41
  
  The supermarket is aiming to bolster its delivery network to try cope with unprecedented demand Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageSainsbury’s is closing its cafes as well as meat, fish and pizza service counters to free up its staff and delivery network for essentials as supermarkets struggle with unprecedented demand during the coronavirus outbreak.In a letter to customers, Mike Coupe, chief executive of the UK’s second largest supermarket chain, said
  
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• 'Four items per shopper': restrictions at UK supermarkets as demand soars

  17-03-2020 18:41
  
  Chains bring in limits for customers as shelves lie empty during coronavirus outbreakCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageSupermarkets are set to extend restrictions on the number of items shoppers can buy as they struggle with unprecedented demand during the coronavirus outbreak.The moves come as many shelves lie empty at supermarkets across the UK. Over the weekend, shortages extended beyond toilet roll, tins and pasta to fresh meat, flour, frozen vegetables, eggs,
  
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• Amazon stops accepting non-essential goods into warehouses

  17-03-2020 18:24
  Online retailer says it has to focus on important household and medical goods 
  
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• Lanvin chief Jean-Philippe Hecquet exits after 18 months

  17-03-2020 18:23
  Fosun International-owned fashion house has been concentrating growth efforts in China
  
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• Charity shops face closure as Covid-19 pandemic impacts elderly volunteers

  17-03-2020 18:10 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Charity Retail Association warns on store closures as members face staffing issues from coronavirus
  // Many of the charity retail sector’s workforce are elderly volunteers
  // He said the “knock-on effect” of the closures would be charities losing out on “substantial” sums of moneyCharity shops could start closing across the UK in “quite substantial numbers” amid the coronavirus outbreak, an association representing the sector has warned.
  Charity Retai
  
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• 'We can’t afford to shut': PM's Covid-19 advice leaves pubs and shops in limbo

  17-03-2020 18:09
  
  How closely are people following the government’s coronavirus suppression measures? Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageA day after Boris Johnson strongly advised people to avoid pubs, clubs and theatres, the Guardian visited venues in two parts of the country, as well as two in the capital, to assess how closely the government’s advice was being followed.You and your household should stay at home for 14 days if you have either: Continue reading...
  
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• Dixons kept getting the wrong numbers with Carphone

  17-03-2020 17:54
  
  Hundreds of store closures are brutal logic of sorting out the mess left by a disastrous retail mergerThe timing is appalling, of course. Closing 531 stores, with the loss of 2,900 jobs, in the middle of the coronavirus crisis makes Dixons Carphone look devious. Actually, though, that’s not quite fair. The truth about Dixons’ £3.8bn merger with the phone chain has been on full display for years: it was one of the worst deals in recent retail history.That’s not the fault o
  
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• Dixons is not being devious it had to unwind a disastrous merger

  17-03-2020 17:54
  
  The closures are just a brutal but logical next step in trying to slim Carphone to a viable business The timing is appalling, of course. Closing 531 stores, with the loss of 2,900 jobs, in the middle of the coronavirus crisis makes Dixons Carphone look devious. Actually, though, that’s not quite fair. The truth about Dixons’ £3.8bn merger with the phone chain has been on full display for years: it was one of the worst deals in recent retail history.That’s not the fault of
  
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• PM urged to suspend all business rates bills amid coronavirus crisis

  17-03-2020 17:53 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // PM Boris Johnson urged to suspend all business rates bills amid coronavirus pandemic
  // Some of the UK’s biggest retailers signed a letter outlining two phases of critical action the government should follow
  // The letter’s signatories include Arcadia, Frasers Group, New Look, WHSmith, JD Sports, Superdry, Dixons Carphone, Ted Baker & H&MSome of the UK’s biggest retailers have come together in a rare moment of unity to urge Boris Johnson to suspend all business rates
  
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• Scotland: how are you affected by coronavirus?

  17-03-2020 17:44
  
  If you live in Scotland, we want to hear how your local community is reacting to coronavirusOn Monday, Boris Johnson announced that people should avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other social venues and that over-70s should avoid unnecessary social contact, to stem the spread of coronavirus.We want to hear from people working in the Scottish healthcare system, small business owners, Airbnb and hotel owners, teachers and anyone whose daily life is affected by the new measures. Continue reading...
  
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• Mulberry creative chief Johnny Coca to depart

  17-03-2020 16:13
  British handbag maker’s value has plummeted 85% in past two years as turnround plan stalls
  
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• H&M the latest to call for rent holiday as coronavirus crisis deepens

  17-03-2020 16:13 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // H&M the latest retailer urging landlords for a rent holiday as shoppers avoid high street due to coronavirus
  // It has written to landlords to ask for “relief on the rents and charges for the period”
  // Debenhams was the first major British retailer to call for rent holiday, for 5 monthsH&M has joined the growing number of retailers asking their landlords for a rent holiday as the coronavirus crisis stops shoppers going to high streets across Europe.
  The Swedish retail gia
  
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• Dixons Carphone cuts costs just in time for coronavirus

  17-03-2020 15:52
  Sacking workers as recession looms is unpleasant even if it is necessary
  
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• Coronavirus: Morrisons unveils staff “hardship fund”, new jobs, expands home delivery

  17-03-2020 15:30 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Morrisons launches a “hardship fund” for staff facing financial difficulty as a result of coronavirus
  // Customers encouraged to pay by card instead of cash
  // Home delivery to be expanded to meet growing demand
  // Morrisons will also offer new jobs to people impacted by the outbreakMorrisons has unveiled a raft of new measures aimed at helping staff and vulnerable community members as the coronavirus crisis continues to deepen in the UK.
  The Big 4 grocer said it would do “i
  
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• How is coronavirus affecting your high street?

  17-03-2020 14:28
  
  We want to hear what your local high street is like following guidance from the UK government to avoid social contactPeople have been asked to avoid unnecessary social contact, pubs, clubs, theatres and other social venues to stem the spread of coronavirus, following an announcement from Boris Johnson on Monday.In light of these measures, we want to hear what how your high street is affected by the virus. Continue reading...
  
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• Coronavirus: French lockdown forces store closures

  17-03-2020 14:06 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Retailers in France face store closures due to lockdown due to COVID-19
  // The UK is yet to impose such dramatic measures although many stores have now closedFrance has imposed a near-total lockdown for 15 days barring residents from leaving their homes for anything other than essentials, meaning retailers in country have been forced to close their doors.
  “We are at war,’’ French president Emmanuel Macron said in an address to the nation on Monday night.
  “The enemy is
  
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• Laura Ashley to file for administration as coronavirus takes toll

  17-03-2020 13:56
  
  Fashion and furnishings firm says rescue talks were thwarted by outbreakCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all of our coronavirus coverageLaura Ashley is to file for administration as the embattled fashion and furnishings firm said rescue talks had been thwarted by the coronavirus outbreak.The move comes only days after reports that the company, which operates more than 150 British stores and has 2,700 employees, was seeking a £15m emergency loan by the end of the month, without which i
  
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• Mountain Warehouse considers making 2,000 staff redundant

  17-03-2020 13:54
  Head of outdoor clothing chain reveals battle for survival since coronavirus outbreakCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe outdoor clothing chain Mountain Warehouse is considering cutting 2,000 jobs after the coronavirus outbreak triggered a “catastrophic” drop in sales.Mark Neale, the retailer’s founder and chief executive, said the company was in “a battle for survival” after a sharp fall in shopper numbers in recent days. Continue
  
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• Mountain Warehouse to make 2,000 staff redundant

  17-03-2020 13:26
  
  Outdoor clothing chain say they are in battle for survival since coronavirus outbreakThe outdoor clothing chain Mountain Warehouse is planning to cut 2,000 jobs after the coronavirus outbreak triggered a “catastrophic” drop in sales.Mark Neale, the retailer’s founder and chief executive, said the company was in “a battle for survival” after a sharp fall in shopper numbers in recent days.Continue reading...
  
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• 2700 jobs at risk as Laura Ashley falls into administration

  17-03-2020 12:55 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Laura Ashley files for administration, placing 2700 jobs at risk
  // Comes as £15m lifeline rescue talks are shelved amid the coronavirus outbreak
  // Laura Ashley says trading was up 24% year-on-year for the seven weeks to March 13Laura Ashley has filed for administration, putting up to 2700 jobs at risk as it becomes the first UK retail casualty as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
  The fashion and lifestyle retailer had reportedly been in talks with Homebase parent company Hillco Ca
  
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• Laura Ashley suspends trading and files for administration

  17-03-2020 12:42
  
  Fashion and furnishings firm says rescue talks were thwarted by coronavirus crisisCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all of our coronavirus coverageLaura Ashley has suspended trading and filed for administration as the embattled fashion and furnishings firm said that rescue talks were thwarted by the coronavirus outbreak.The move comes only days after reports that the company, which operates more than 150 British stores and has 2,700 employees, was seeking a £15m emergency loan by the e
  
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• CHARGED: French regular hands Apple £1bn fine for anti-competitive behaviour

  17-03-2020 12:22 via chargedretail.co.uk
  
  The French Competition Authority on Monday announced it will fine Apple EUR 1.1 billion (GBP 1 billion) over restrictions it placed in contracts with wholesalers.
  In the biggest antitrust fine the French authority has ever levied, the watchdog alleged that Apple and two of its wholesalers, Tech Data and Ingram Micro, “agreed not to compete with each other”:
  “Apple and its two wholesalers agreed not to compete with each other and to prevent distributors from competing with each
  
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• Boden to close stores amid coronavirus outbreak

  17-03-2020 12:11 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Boden to close stores from today as coronavirus outbreak continues
  // The decision will be reviewed March 27Boden has announced plans to close stores as the coronavirus outbreak in the UK continues to escalate.
  From today, stores will close and the decision will be reviewed on March 27.
  The fashion retailer’s founder Johnie Boden said told customers that these were “strange and scary times”.
  “We are all thinking about our families and friends at the moment, particularl
  
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• Westfield affected by government Covid-19 measures

  17-03-2020 11:52 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield affected by government measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19
  // The shopping centre giant is reducing non-staff expenses & deferring non-essential capital expenditureUnibail-Rodamco-Westfield has revealed in a market update that it has taken measures to contain the spread of Covid-19 which will impact its operations.
  The shopping centre giant said its primary focus is on “protecting the health and safety of its employees, tenants, and visitors”.
  
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• Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield affected by government COVID-19 measures

  17-03-2020 11:52 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield affected by government measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19
  //  The group is actively reducing non-staff expenses & deferring non-essential capital expenditureUnibail-Rodamco-Westfield (“URW”) has revealed in a market update that it has taken measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 which will impact its operations.
  The Group’s primary focus is now on “protecting the health and safety of its employees, tenants, and visitors&rd
  
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• Dixons Carphone closes 530 UK stores with loss of 3,000 jobs

  17-03-2020 11:14
  Group blames consumer shift to online shopping online and customers upgrading mobile phones less often
  
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• ScS sales smash £160m despite low consumer confidence

  17-03-2020 10:34 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // ScS interim revenue increased despite low consumer confidence
  // Online sales rose 24.5% to £9.8m thanks to investmentScS has seen its half-year interim revenue rise despite a low level of consumer confidence surrounding the COVID-19 situation.
  The furniture retailer said its revenue increased from £151.4 million, to £152 million, while sales increased 0.5 per cent to £160.1 million.
  The company also reported a gross profit of £71.7 million, up from £71.5 m
  
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• Coronavirus: Debenhams calls for rent holiday to handle disruption

  17-03-2020 09:50 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Debenhams calls for five-month rent holiday amid coronavirus outbreak
  // Debenhams became one of many retailers to witness the impact of the outbreakDebenhams has requested for a five-month rent holiday from its landlords as it finds ways to deal with disruptions caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
  The department store chain has asked for the rent-free period to begin immediately.
  “All retailers are facing unprecedented pressures from the current situation and we are managing our operat
  
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• Asda eyed by private equity firms for £7bn takeover

  17-03-2020 09:29 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Asda attracts several private equity firms for a potential takeover
  // Apollo Global Management, TDR Capital and Lone Star Funds are thought to be in interested line-up
  // No final decisions have been madeAsda has reportedly attracted several private equity firms for a potential takeover which could value it at over £7 billion.
  Apollo Global Management, TDR Capital and Lone Star Funds are thought to be in interested line-up to acquire the Big 4 grocer from US parent company Walmart, fol
  
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• Dixons Carphone to close all UK Carphone Warehouse stores

  17-03-2020 09:14
  The group will sell its mobile services through Currys PCWorld as part of shake-up of the business
  
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• 2900 jobs at risk as Dixons Carphone closes Carphone Warehouse stores

  17-03-2020 09:09 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Dixons Carphone to close all standalone Carphone Warehouse stores
  // 2900 jobs are at risk
  // Dixons Carphone to now sell mobile phones through its “shop in shops” in 305 Currys PC World stores & onlineDixons Carphone will shutter all 531 Carphone Warehouse stores as part of the ongoing overhaul of its mobile arm, resulting in 2900 job losses.
  The closures will be effective as of April 3, as Dixons Carphone shifts its focus on selling mobile phones through its “shop
  
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• Iceland to open early for the elderly amid coronavirus outbreak

  17-03-2020 08:38 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Iceland to open an hour early for the elderly
  // The move comes as it finds ways to help the vulnerable during the coronavirus outbreakIceland has announced that some of its stores will open an hour earlier to allow the elderly to shop when it is quieter amid the coronavirus outbreak.
  The frozen food specialist said it is not a company policy, but a rather a way to determine the best ways to meet shoppers’ needs in local stores.
  From Wednesday, 100 of its branches across the UK will be
  
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• Dixons Carphone to close 531 stores, with loss of 2,900 jobs

  17-03-2020 08:37
  
  Company will focus on selling mobile phones through ‘shops in shops’Dixons Carphone is to close 531 stores in the UK with the loss of 2,900 jobs in the latest blow to hit the struggling high street.Britain’s biggest electrical and mobile phone retailer said it would close all standalone Carphone Warehouse stores on 3 April and that it would focus on selling mobile phones through its “shop in shops” in 305 big Currys PC World stores and online. Continue reading...
  
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• We need a proper paper trail for our purchases but are only offered receipts

  17-03-2020 08:00
  
  As foster parents we have to have proof of what we buy but were only offered an e-receiptMy wife and I are foster carers and need to provide receipts for any clothes we purchase. We went into River Island in Peterborough but the sales assistant refused to give us a paper receipt. My wife did give her email, but nothing has been received, so if there is a problem we have no proof of purchase. Can I insist on a paper receipt? MD, Spalding, LincsRetailers have gradually been cutting back on the bil
  
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• UK supermarkets take steps to prevent panic buying and shortages

  17-03-2020 07:00
  
  Some stores are rationing products, or opening earlier to prioritise elderly and vulnerable customersCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageUK supermarkets are ramping up contingency plans to help tackle demand from shoppers for essential provisions, with more sections of the population – including vulnerable and elderly people – preparing for self-isolation during the coronavirus outbreak.The discounter Aldi has become the first supermarket to introduce ac
  
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• ScS delays first half results

  17-03-2020 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Furniture retailer ScS has postponed the issuing of its full interim results following yesterday’s announcement regarding changes to the government’s COVID-19 strategy. While the results are... View Article
  
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• Mulberry creative director to step down

  17-03-2020 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Luxury brand Mulberry has announced that its creative director Johnny Coca will be leaving the company at the end of March. After working in the role... View Article
  
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• Morrisons moves to help customers and staff during the coronavirus outbreak

  17-03-2020 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Morrisons has introduced a range of measures to support its staff and customers during the coronavirus outbreak. The supermarket will be expanding its home delivery service ... View Article
  
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• Laura Ashley files for administration

  17-03-2020 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Fashion and homewares retailer Laura Ashley has filed for administration after talks regarding a rescue of the business failed. In a statement, the company said its... View Article
  
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• Ingenico: Finding the right authorization and acquiring strategy to increase card payment conversion

  17-03-2020 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Authorisation rates have a direct impact on conversion rates. If a customer clicks your “Buy” button and the payment isn’t authorized, it’s as if the sale... View Article
  
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• H&M sales impacted by coronavirus

  17-03-2020 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  H&M has said its group sales rose by 8% to SEK54,948 million  in its first quarter, although trading in the second half of the period was... View Article
  
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• Experian’s COVD-19 analysis

  17-03-2020 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Global financial markets remain volatile as the number of Coronavirus continue to rise. In Italy 60 million people are now under effective quarantine and the virus... View Article
  
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