Retail news

• Black Friday expected to beat UK online sales records

  26-11-2020 20:54
  
  Consumers snap up bargains as coronavirus restrictions hamper high street shoppingCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageBlack Friday is expected to smash online sales records this year as struggling retailers slash prices in a desperate attempt to drum up trade after a lost November on the high street.The discount day has become the biggest shopping event of the year but the stakes are far higher this time round as coronavirus restrictions mean some retailers have sho
  
  Read more

• Online fraud surges ahead of Black Friday

  26-11-2020 17:22
  Attempted payment frauds 385 per cent higher than a year ago
  
  Read more

• Long queues may suppress Christmas demand – can technology help?

  26-11-2020 16:00 via retailgazette.co.uk
  The average person will spend 47 days queueing over the course of their lifetime, according to a poll commissioned by software company Kurve Kiosks.
  In 2015, retail tech firm Box Technologies found in its report that 86 per cent of Brits will avoid a store if they deem the queue too long. Meanwhile 70 per cent are less likely to return to a store if they experience long waiting times on just one occasion.
  Half a decade later, the Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly led to a new wave of shoppers w
  
  Read more

• Tesco to implement 24-hour opening times in over 300 stores

  26-11-2020 15:30 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Tesco to keep over 300 stores open for 24 hours in lead up to Christmas
  // Tesco previously operated a number of both Superstore and Extra format stores around the clock
  // The remainder of its stores will extend opening hours an hour early from 5am until 11pmTesco has reportedly said it will implement a 24-hour opening time at over 300 of its stores in the run-up to Christmas.
  The Big 4 grocer will have over 300 of its largest-format stores trade for 24 hours a day from December 14 to Christ
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Superdrug launches MindCare mental health consultation app

  26-11-2020 15:01 via chargedretail.co.uk
  
  Superdrug has launched a new “doctor-led” mental health app offering users virtual consultations, diagnosis and support.
  MindCare launched on iOS today allowing those struggling with mental health to book a private, confidential video consultation with an experienced practitioner.
  Each appointment, which will cost £70, will see the doctor work towards a diagnosis of the user’s condition and guide them towards support which matches their needs.
  This could involve a private
  
  Read more

• Mulberry warns London’s luxury stores under threat

  26-11-2020 14:50
  High rents, Brexit, and end of tourist VAT scheme compound effects of coronavirus pandemic
  
  Read more

• M&S reverses decision to keep stores open on Boxing Day

  26-11-2020 14:21 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // M&S to close all of its UK stores on Boxing Day
  // The retailer previously planned to open over 200 stores on the day
  // Last week, the retailer announced it is operating its longest ever trading hours this ChristmasMarks & Spencer has decided to close stores on Boxing Day, having previously planned to open over 200 stores on the day.
  The decision came after the government’s announcement this week to temporarily relax restrictions over the Christmas period.
  M&S will now clos
  
  Read more

• EXCLUSIVE: Net-A-Porter managing director Nicola Brandolese reportedly steps down

  26-11-2020 13:06 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Net-A-Porter managing director Nicola Brandolese has reportedly left the online retailer
  // Brandolese had previously served as CEO of luxury footwear retailer Giuseppe Zanotti
  // Yoox Net-A-Porter sought to bolster the senior management team upon hiring BrandoleseNet-A-Porter managing director Nicola Brandolese has reportedly stepped down from the company after serving just over a year in his role.
  According to an anonymous source who spoke to Retail Gazette, Brandolese is understood to have
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• New Look, Dorothy Perkins and Superdry turn to Ebay to flog lockdown “dead stock”

  26-11-2020 12:31 via chargedretail.co.uk
  
  New Look, Dorothy Perkins, Superdry and LK Bennett have all turned to Ebay to sell off their “dead stock” as they scramble to stem lockdown losses.
  Each of these fashion retailers are understood to have launched Ebay stores to offload their unsold stock at majorly discounted prices, The Mirror reported.
  Some of the items available are being listed at discounts of over 80 per cent, including an LK Bennett dress for £17 which usually retails for £125.
  READ MORE:&n
  
  Read more

• Black Business Friday: 'It’s more than just shopping for your family and friends'

  26-11-2020 12:00
  
  Black entrepreneurs are bringing new meaning to the busiest shopping day of the yearThis year, millions of Americans will have to rethink their holiday shopping plans. Many shoppers are looking for ways to safely support their local businesses – particularly minority-owned businesses, which have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic.Cynthia Daniels has an event for that. Related: You've got snail: why molluscs are the best pets for 2020Continue reading...
  
  Read more

• Victoria’s Secret hires former Boots managing director as CEO

  26-11-2020 11:52 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Victoria’s Secret parent company L Brands has announced a leadership reshuffle
  // Martin Waters, previously L Brands’ head of the international division, will replace John Mehas as Victoria’s Secret CEO
  // Waters had also served as managing director for health and beauty retailer BootsVictoria’s Secret owner L Brands has announced a leadership reshuffle following a strenuous year for the lingerie retailer.
  Martin Waters, who was previously the head of the international
  
  Read more

• Sainsbury’s to extend opening hours as Christmas nears

  26-11-2020 10:31 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Sainsbury’s to extend opening hours in the run-up to Christmas
  // The grocer joins a growing list of non-essential retailers such as Primark, which are looking at extending opening hours
  // Sainsbury’s would be extending opening hours from 6am until midnight in “the vast majority” of its storesSainsbury’s has said it will extend opening hours in the lead up to Christmas, after other retailers Aldi and Waitrose already made the move.
  The Big 4 grocer said it 
  
  Read more

• Holland & Barrett bucks high street trend by planning new London store opening

  26-11-2020 09:59 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Holland & Barrett takes on larger footprint store in Islington
  // The retailer said it is looking to meet demand “at a time when health and wellness is more important to our customers than ever”Holland & Barrett will open a new store in London’s Islington area next week, just in time for the end of England’s national lockdown.
  Defying wider trends for retailers reducing their exposure to bricks and mortar stores, Holland & Barrett will relocate its previous
  
  Read more

• Boohoo hires Leveson to monitor its supply chain

  26-11-2020 09:50
  Fashion retailer appoints retired judge after allegations over its treatment of workers
  
  Read more

• Mulberry revenue down 29% for H1 as coronavirus impacts sales

  26-11-2020 09:46 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Mulberry reports back on difficult first half, impacted by temporary store closures due to coronavirus
  // Digital sales rose 68% to £24.3 million
  // CEO says there are “many obstacles ahead” for Mulberry, citing changes to tax-free shoppingGroup revenue at Mulberry fell 29 per cent in the half year to September 26, with coronavirus and the impact of store closures weighing heavy on results.
  The luxury British fashion brand saw revenue to drop £48.8 million across the 2
  
  Read more

• Boohoo appoints Sir Brian Leveson to oversee plans for supply chain overhaul

  26-11-2020 09:00 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Boohoo names Sir Brian Leveson as independent overview of Agenda for Change
  // Sir Brian will provide public available progress reports
  // Appointment comes after Boohoo accepted all recommendations of an independent review of the retailer, conducted by Alison Levitt QCBoohoo has appointed retired judge Sir Brian Leveson to provide independent oversight of improvements planned for its supply chain and business practices.
  Back in September the fast fashion retailer accepted all recommendations
  
  Read more

• Black Friday: will Thanksgiving shoppers splash the cash this year?

  26-11-2020 09:00
  
  The pandemic has dramatically altered this year’s Black Friday – this does not mean holiday shopping is cancelledBlack Friday has long been the traditional start of the holiday shopping season in the US. As dawn breaks after Thanksgiving long lines of shoppers trying to score the best deals camp outside of stores and malls across the country. Not this year. Related: Fauci urges Americans to sacrifice traditional Thanksgiving to save lives Yet there are some signs that the brick-and-m
  
  Read more

• Co-op says it could offer “hundreds more apprenticeships”

  26-11-2020 08:21 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Co-op CEO says more apprenticeships could “drive social mobility and help tackle the persistent inequalities in our society”
  // The retailer today will host a round-table with the government and apprenticeship experts to discuss changes to the Apprenticeship Levy
  // Co-op says it could offer “hundreds more apprenticeships” if changes can be made to policiesCo-op chief executive Steve Murrells will today open a round-table with government representatives to discuss appr
  
  Read more

• How the Covid-19 pandemic has increased Amazon's dominance – podcast

  26-11-2020 04:00
  
  As high street rivals were forced to close this year, Amazon has gone from strength to strength. But reports of conditions in some of its huge warehouses have brought a new level of scrutiny, as John Harris explainsBefore the pandemic struck, high street retailers were already struggling to stay competitive with online companies that offered low prices and rapid deliveries. When Covid-19 forced shops to close and consumers to stay at home, online retailers, particularly Amazon, were ideally plac
  
  Read more

• Westfield confirms opening date for new mall in the Netherlands

  26-11-2020 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Westfield has announced that its new shopping centre in the Netherlands will be opening on 18 March 2021. The Westfield Mall of the Netherlands is now... View Article
  
  Read more

• Rolling Stones launch 360​° virtual shop experience

  26-11-2020 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Following the opening of their world-first flagship store in London’s Carnaby Street, the Rolling Stones have launched an online shop featuring a 360° virtual experience. Created... View Article
  
  Read more

• Patisserie Valerie embarks on new partnership with Sainsbury’s

  26-11-2020 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Patisserie Valerie will see its cakes go on sale in 250 Sainsbury’s stores this month as part of a new tie-up with the supermarket. According to... View Article
  
  Read more

• J.Crew Group appoints new chief executive

  26-11-2020 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  J.Crew Group has promoted Libby Wadle to the position of chief executive. In her new role, she will be responsible for J.Crew and J.Crew Factory but... View Article
  
  Read more

• Holland & Barrett to open new London store

  26-11-2020 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Holland & Barrett is to open a new London store at Angel Central in Islington. Due to launch on 3 December after the current Covid-19 lockdown... View Article
  
  Read more

• EBOOK: Sensormatic Solutions Holiday 2020 Report – Europe

  26-11-2020 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Shoppers have changed their behaviour across all channels and this is putting significant pressure on retailers in store who need to keep trading profitably whilst providing... View Article
  
  Read more

• Abercrombie & Fitch to close several flagship stores

  26-11-2020 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Abercrombie & Fitch is to close its flagship stores in London, Munich and Paris by the end of January. All three closures will be well ahead... View Article
  
  Read more

Follow @retailuknws on Twitter!