Even after 15 June, when most non-essential shops reopened, sociable shopping will remain off-limits thanks to continuing social distancing measures. However, new research reveals that online shopping has become an increasingly sociable activity thanks to a lockdown boom in social commerce. The closure of many high street favourites has fuelled a 95% increase in shoppers […]
Despite today’s long queues outside newly reopened stores, the home delivery expert ParcelHero is forecasting that the crowds will fall away by Wednesday, as stores remain a stressful environment and home shopping proves too strong a habit to quit. ParcelHero’s head of consumer research, David Jinks MILT, says today might see significant queuing to satisfy […]
A horticulture supplier aiming to capitalise on the reopening of garden centres has traded through Covid-19 with the support of a loan from Lloyds Bank. BHGS, a century-old business with a cooperative heritage, has seen demand slump since the coronavirus hit the UK as its customers – including independent garden centres, National Trust estates and […]
With restrictions on non-essential stores easing from 15 June, new research by industry voice SaveTheHighStreet.org reveals that only a quarter (25%) of small businesses have completed the necessary Covid-19 risk assessments critical to reopening. The Covid-19 High Street Recovery & Resilience survey, which has had 1000 responses also reveals one in five (20%) have not […]
Covering the four weeks 3 – 30 May 2020 On a total basis, sales decreased by 5.9% in May, against a decrease of 1.9% in May 2019*. This is the second worst decline recorded since our monitor began in January 1995, an improvement over April. It is above the 3-month average decline of 9.4% and […]
Retailers need to pay attention to changing customer demands and keep an eye on cash, if they are to avoid going into administration, say leading accounting and tax advisory firm Blick Rothenberg. Mark Hart a partner in the firm said: “A key issue for retailers as we ease of out lockdown is to ensure they […]
Many specialist UK manufacturers and retailers are still suffering low or zero sales, as ‘non-essential’ stores remain closed for another gruelling ten days in England. The international delivery specialist ParcelHero says that, while UK sales are stalled, many European Union (EU) markets have already fully re-opened and represent significant new opportunities for British businesses. It […]
Covid-19 continued to reshape the retail landscape in May, as consumers acclimatised to the enforced shift of shopping online. The UK’s second month under lockdown saw online retail sales swell to a twelve-year high, up a staggering +32.7% Year-on-Year (YoY) in May. That’s according to the latest IMRG Capgemini Online Retail Index, which tracks the […]
Mastercard (MA) today introduces www.ShopOpenings.com, a new online search tool that confirms which shops and businesses are open for customers to visit as the nation gradually reopens over the coming weeks, in line with Government guidance. Built in partnership with Sixth Sense, this new search site is free to use and offers people a latest […]
Shop prices fell by 2.4% in May compared to a 1.7% decrease in April. This is below the 12- and 6-month average price decreases of 0.7% and 1.0%, respectively. This is the highest rate of decline since our series began in December 2006. Non-food prices fell sharply by 4.6% in May compared to a decline […]
