Retail news

• Facebook takes on Amazon with with online shopping venture

  19-05-2020 19:45
  Feature will allow businesses to set up digital storefronts and sell directly to users on platform
  
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• Facebook takes on Amazon with online shopping venture

  19-05-2020 19:45
  Feature will allow businesses to set up digital storefronts and sell directly to users on platform
  
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• Walmart sales surge as stockpiling brings ‘unprecedented’ demand

  19-05-2020 18:20
  World’s biggest retailer hires 235,000 temporary staff in the US to deal with the rush
  
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• Intu Metrocentre lenders to appoint advisers for financial restructuring

  19-05-2020 17:02 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Intu Metrocentre lenders seeking to appoint advisers to negotiate over its future
  // Intu Metrocentre attracts 20 million visitors every yearIntu Metrocentre lenders are reportedly due to appoint advisers for talks over its future financial structure.
  Bondholders to one of the UK’s biggest shopping centres are preparing for a battle with its owners about a financial restructuring, Sky News reported.
  Intu Metrocentre is the owner of a retail and leisure complex in Gateshead outside
  
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• ‘People will want brands that reflect their values’: Mary Portas on how lockdown will change the high street

  19-05-2020 16:55
  
  Many shops will be destroyed by the pandemic’s impact on business. But, says the shopping guru, those who did the right thing will reap the benefitsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageWhen the UK fully emerges from the coronavirus lockdown and shoppers are allowed out again for non-essential purchases, their local high street could be a very different place from the one they left in March. Since the pandemic gripped the nation, a string of big-name retailers h
  
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• 'Every £1 spent is a vote for how we want to live': Mary Portas on the high-street shops that will thrive after lockdown

  19-05-2020 16:55
  
  Many shops will be destroyed by the pandemic’s impact on business. But, says the shopping guru, those who did the right thing will reap the benefitsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageWhen the UK fully emerges from the coronavirus lockdown and shoppers are allowed out again for non-essential purchases, their local high street could be a very different place from the one they left in March. Since the pandemic gripped the nation, a string of big-name retailers h
  
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• 'Every £1 spent is a vote for how we want to live': Mary Portas on lockdown and the high street

  19-05-2020 16:55
  
  Many shops will be destroyed by the pandemic’s impact on business. But, says the shopping guru, those who did the right thing will reap the benefitsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageWhen the UK fully emerges from the coronavirus lockdown and shoppers are allowed out again for non-essential purchases, their local high street could be a very different place from the one they left in March. Since the pandemic gripped the nation, a string of big-name retailers h
  
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• COMMENT: The easing of lockdown means new challenges for retailers

  19-05-2020 16:29 via retailgazette.co.uk
  The UK 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 of the crisis – and it is equally true now – difficult times call for strong leadership. As we tackle the intractable challenges ahead, it is the job of retail leaders to remain focused – and ensure that in dealing with short-term decisions, they do
  
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• Asda given sales sales boost from lockdown but profits dip

  19-05-2020 16:04 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Asda quarterly sales up 3.5% like-for-like and 2.7% net
  // Average basket value surged 6.9% but number of transactions down 3.4%
  // Parent company Walmart suggested that Asda’s bottom line had contractedAsda received a boost in quarterly sales as shoppers stocked up and cleared shelves in the lead-up to March’s lockdown, the supermarket said.
  Revealing its latest results, covering the three months to March 31, sales jumped 3.5 per cent on a like-for-like basis compared to the same
  
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• Walmart sales jump as pandemic brings ‘unprecedented demand’

  19-05-2020 15:16
  World’s biggest retailer has hired 235,000 staff in the US to cope with surge
  
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• Pizza Express to reopen 13 London restaurants for delivery

  19-05-2020 14:56
  
  Casual dining chain becomes latest to slowly emerge from coronavirus lockdownCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coveragePizza Express is to reopen 13 London restaurants for delivery only in the next 10 days as it tests the water for a national return to business.Zoe Bowley, the managing director of Pizza Express for the UK and Ireland, said the casual dining chain would begin with an edited menu from restaurants in “London villages”, including Balham, Fulham an
  
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• French Connection warns it is running out of cash

  19-05-2020 14:17
  
  Clothing retailer says it needs new funding or better sales as coronavirus crisis hits chainAiling fashion retailer French Connection has warned it will run out of cash within the next few months unless it secures a cash injection or sees an improvement in sales.The retailer, which was forced to close all 68 of its stores and concessions in the UK as well as many overseas outlets in March as part of measures to control the spread of coronavirus, said it had seen a significant reduction in sales.
  
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• Johnson Shoes files for administration

  19-05-2020 13:42 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Johnsons Shoes Company enters administration
  // The company operates footwear retailers Johnsons Shoes & Bowleys Fine Shoes
  // All 145 furloughed staff will keep the jobs for the time beingThe parent company of footwear retailers Johnsons Shoes and Bowleys Fine Shoes has filed for administration, marking yet another casualty amid the coronavirus pandemic.
  Established 50 years ago, the family-run Johnsons Shoes Company operates 12 stores in Windsor, Newbury, Staines, Teddington, East Sheen
  
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• Superdrug donates hospital care packages to frontline NHS workers

  19-05-2020 13:19 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Superdrug donates personal care packages to 20 hospital wards across the country
  // The retailer has also donated over 30,000 essential food products to help support vulnerable community membersIn support of NHS staff and vulnerable people in the community, Superdrug is donating personal care products and groceries to banks and hospitals nationwide.
  The retailer is providing 14,500 essential personal care product donations to help support frontline NHS staff across the UK.
  Over 20 hospital wa
  
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• 164 job cuts as Antler crashes into administration

  19-05-2020 13:17 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Antler slashes 164 jobs after crashing into administration
  // The luggage retailer appointed administrators from corporate finance firm KPMG.
  // Antler operates from 18 stores and one concession, with a total of 199 staffAntler has cut 164 jobs after filing for administration.
  The luggage retailer, which operates 18 stores and one concession, said it has appointed administrators from corporate finance firm KPMG.
  Administrators said Antler had to make the majority of its 199-strong workfo
  
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• Strikes erupt as US essential workers demand protection amid pandemic

  19-05-2020 13:00
  
  Working conditions, low pay and lack of safety protections have triggered protests across various industriesWildcat strikes, walkouts and protests over working conditions have erupted across the US throughout the coronavirus pandemic as “essential” workers have demanded better pay and safer working conditions. Labor leaders are hoping the protests can lead to permanent change.Norma Kennedy, an employee at an American Apparel clothing plant is one of those people. Kennedy along with d
  
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• Labour warns of “massive spike” in job losses in furlough scheme changes

  19-05-2020 12:44 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Labour’s shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds warns JRS extension risks “massive spike in job losses”
  // The risk pertains to government contribution dropping to 60% from August
  // While the government will pay 80% until the end of July, from August employers are expected to pay the differencePotential employer contribution changes to the UK Government’s job retention scheme (JRS) “risks a massive spike in job losses”, Labour’s shadow chancellor has warn
  
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• Labour warns of “massive spike” in job losses amid furlough scheme changes

  19-05-2020 12:44 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Labour’s shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds warns JRS extension risks “massive spike in job losses”
  // The risk pertains to government contribution dropping to 60% from August
  // While the government will pay 80% until the end of July, from August employers are expected to pay the differencePotential employer contribution changes to the UK Government’s job retention scheme (JRS) “risks a massive spike in job losses”, Labour’s shadow chancellor has warn
  
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• Yoox Net-A-Porter Group donates care packages to NHS staff

  19-05-2020 12:42 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Yoox Net-A-Porter Group donates care packages to NHS staff, gathering 2,200 essential items
  // The care packages have been sent to 4 London hospitals for staff caring for ICU patientsYoox Net-A-Porter Group has donated care packages to NHS staff on the front line of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
  In total, 2,200 essential items have been gathered for The Intensive Care Society (ICS) by the Group and its brand partners.
  The items have been compiled into ICS Wellbeing Packages for staff work
  
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• M&S accused of exploiting pandemic for selling £11.50 hand sanitisers

  19-05-2020 12:14 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Marks & Spencer faces criticism for selling 500ml hand sanitiser bottles for £11.50
  // The retailer has been accused of exploiting the Covid-19 pandemicMarks & Spencer has reportedly been accused of exploiting the coronavirus pandemic after selling hand sanitiser bottles for twice as much as equivalents elsewhere.
  Due to the pandemic, the demand for hand sanitiser has surged as people have been asked to regularly wash their hands to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission.
  As a
  
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• Uniqlo and Pokémon Go launch range of t-shirts available both in-game and in-store

  19-05-2020 12:12 via chargedretail.co.uk
  
  Uniqlo has teamed up with Pokémon Go to launch a range of t-shirts available both in-game and at Uniqlo stores.
  The Japanese fashion retailer’s new range of Pokémon themed t-shirts will be available to collect in game as “avatar items”, which can be worn by the player’s character, for free.
  Three designs from the collection will be available in-game, featuring fan favourites including Pikachu, Ditto and Eevee.
  READ MORE: Pokemon’s VR app rewards c
  
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• Amazon in talks to buy bankrupt JC Penney’s store estate

  19-05-2020 11:01 via chargedretail.co.uk
  
  Amazon could buy JC Penney’s entire 846 store estate as the US department store struggles to keep its head above water after it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganisation.
  According to a report published by WWD, Amazon is in “dialogue” with the embattled giant regarding the acquisition of either all or parts of JC Penney’s massive store estate.
  It comes after the 118 year-old department store became the fourth prominent American retailer to file for Chapter
  
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• Books to be quarantined if touched but not bought, Waterstones says

  19-05-2020 10:58 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Waterstones exec says books will be quarantined for at least 3 days if picked up but not bought
  // Other protective measures include perspex screens at tills, limits on number of shoppers, and a one-way system in storesWaterstones’ executives have said that books will be quarantined if customers pick them up but don’t purchase them.
  Waterstones boss James Daunt said books will be quarantined for at least three days to protect customers from any potential health risk.
  This is due t
  
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• Westfield & Landsec prepare to reopen shopping centres

  19-05-2020 10:30 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield & Landsec awaiting for lockdown measures to ease
  // The property giants are preparing to reopen centresShopping centre owners Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and Landsec are reportedly preparing to reopen their UK malls as they await for lockdown measures to ease.
  The centres are aiming to establish social distancing measures and increase other safety precautions as non-essential retailers prepare to open their doors since being shut in March, Evening Standard reported
  
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• Shopping centres Westfield and Landsec prepare to reopen

  19-05-2020 10:30 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and Landsec awaiting for lockdown measures to ease
  // The property giants are preparing to reopen centresShopping centre owners Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and Landsec are reportedly preparing to reopen their malls as they await for lockdown measures to ease.
  The centres are aiming to establish social distancing measures and increase other safety precautions as non-essential retailers prepare to open their doors since being shut in March, Evening Standard reported.
  Pri
  
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• Cath Kidston creditors owed £90m

  19-05-2020 09:59 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Cath Kidston creditors owed £90 million after administration
  // Retailer’s online, franchse & wholesale was bought back by Baring Private Equity Asia in a pre-pack deal last month
  // Cath Kidston’s creditors include landlords, HMRC and gift cardsCath Kidston’s unsecured creditors are owed around £90 million but are expected to only receive a small dividend after the retailer’s pre-pack administration.
  Last month the retailer was sold back to parent comp
  
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• N Brown sales decline as it secures £50m with lenders

  19-05-2020 09:55 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // N Brown Group sales drop due to uncertainty
  // The retailer saw sales decline while aiming to secure new financing with creditorsN Brown has seen its sales drop in a “very uncertain environment” amid attempts to secure new financial arrangements with its lenders.
  The group, which owns JD Williams, Jacamo and Simply Be, saw its sales decline by 25 per cent in the last six weeks.
  Apparel sales at the Manchester-based group were down by 48 per cent over the same period.READ
  
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• French Connection warns cash resources would be “eroded” without funding

  19-05-2020 09:30 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // French Connection seeks urgent funding in battle for survival
  // It is currently urgent talks with potential funding partners to stay afloat amid the coronavirus crisis
  // French Connection’s board felt “confident” of raising the funds that would see it through the pandemicFrench Connection has warned that if it does not secure urgent funding it expects its cash resources to be “eroded” over the next couple of months.
  The fashion retailer announced today that acc
  
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• Topps Tiles swings to £4m half-year loss

  19-05-2020 09:13 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Topps Tiles swings to a loss in “challenging” market
  // The retailer booked a £4m statutory pre-tax loss during the 26 weeks to March 28
  // This compared to a £5.2m profit the prior yearTopps Tiles swung to a half year loss after its revenue was hit by the Covid-19 crisis and also a tough trading environment before the pandemic even started.
  In its trading update for the six months to March 28, the flooring retailer suffered a whopping £4m statutory pre-tax loss.
  
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• 6 Jigsaw board members step down in wake of coronavirus

  19-05-2020 08:52 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // 6 board members of Jigsaw step down
  // The retailer is looking to streamline the business so it’s more agile
  // It also wants to be better placed to deal with the challenges posed by Covid-19Six of Jigsaw’s board members have stepped down as the fashion retailer “looks to streamline” amid the coronavirus crisis.
  In a statement, Jigsaw said Isabel Spearman, Despina Don-Wauchope, David Hall, Richard Walker, James Murray-Wells and Silvana Rossi recently left the womenswea
  
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• Silly Billy: what the Ikea bookcase tells us about the true cost of fast furniture

  19-05-2020 07:00
  
  A Billy bookcase is made every three seconds. But with a third of people admitting to throwing away furniture that they could have sold or donated, does the cheap furniture boom have a heavy environmental price?Jo Jackson remembers the day when it was clear that nothing was going to be the same for a while. It was mid-March and Made.com, an online purveyor of millennial-friendly furniture, had big plans for growth in the year of its 10th anniversary. Continue reading...
  
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• Whitepaper: The Impact Of Covid-19 On Customer Experience In Retail

  19-05-2020 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  parcelLab, an innovator in post-purchase retail communications, has launched a new whitepaper exploring specifically how Covid-19 is impacting customer experience and offering actionable steps that retailers... View Article
  
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• Topps Tiles swings to half year loss

  19-05-2020 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Topps Tiles has swung to a half year loss after trading was impacted by the coronavirus outbreak and challenging trading conditions. The company posted a 6.1%... View Article
  
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• OMIO PIM: Here to make your products go digital

  19-05-2020 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Retail Assist are delighted to announce details of their new retail software solution, OMIO PIM. At a time when retailers need it most, OMIO PIM is a... View Article
  
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• Not business as usual: Retail labor planning as the nation reopens

  19-05-2020 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Guest Post: Julie Bushee – Director of Retail Labor Support – Logile: The COVID-19 pandemic will forever change the way we think and live for the... View Article
  
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• N Brown upbeat despite covid-19 pandemic

  19-05-2020 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  N Brown, the owner of Simply Be, JD Williams and Jacamo, has said it remains confident in its long-term prospects after reporting an improvement in trading... View Article
  
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• JC Penney to close over 240 stores

  19-05-2020 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  JC Penney has unveiled plans to close around 242 stores following its recent filing for bankruptcy protection. In a regulatory filing, the US department store chain... View Article
  
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• French Connection seeks new funding

  19-05-2020 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Fashion retailer French Connection has warned that it could run out of cash in the next few months if it is unable to secure new funding... View Article
  
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