Pub industry warns Boris Johnson that lockdown measures put ‘hundreds and thousands of jobs’ at risk March 16, 2020 The UK pub industry has tonight written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson warning him that the government’s guidance that members of the public should avoid going to bars and pubs presents the sector with an “existential crisis”. In a letter from British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin, the industry warned that “thousands [...]
Coronavirus measures to have ‘devastating’ impact on UK hospitality sector March 16, 2020 The UK’s pubs and restaurants have called on the government to offer urgent financial help after Boris Johnson advised people to avoid social gatherings, in what could be a death knell for London’s pubs, restaurants and leisure businesses. The prime minister urged the public to practice “social distancing” by staying at home rather than eating [...]
Coronavirus: Supermarkets mull streamlining stores to cope with spike in demand March 16, 2020 The biggest supermarkets in the UK are mulling cutting cafe, counters and other services to focus on maintaining basic provisions as the demand for essential items and hygiene products soars during the coronavirus outbreak. Bosses are stepping up their contingency plans to keep stores running if staff take sick leave or if a potential mass [...]
Walmart edges closer to Asda sale as buyout firms bid March 16, 2020 US retail giant Walmart has edged closer to a sale of Asda after three private equity firms competing to buy the supermarket reportedly made it through to the next stage of bidding. Buyout firms Apollo Global Management, Lone Star Funds and TDR Capital submitted first round offers for the UK grocer and have been invited [...]
H&M closes hundreds of stores as Europe battles coronavirus spread March 16, 2020 H&M’s share price dropped this morning after it announced it has shuttered hundreds stores across Europe as coronavirus continues to spread across the continent. The Swedish retailer’s share price fell more than 11 per cent this morning as it warned that sales had been affected this month due to the outbreak. The group has temporarily [...]
Primark owner shares halted after virus sales warning March 16, 2020 Shares in Primark owner Associated British Foods (ABF) were suspended for an hour this morning after the firm warned store closures would hit sales. The retail conglomerate’s shares were halted after falling sharply, which the London Stock Exchange said was due to an erroneous trade. Shares were down roughly 12.5 per cent when trading was [...]
Sign of the times: Tinned gin in and fruit pies out of UK inflation basket March 16, 2020 Self-tanning products, gin in a tin, reusable mugs and gluten-free cereals have been added to the basket of goods used to calculate inflation as Brits go eco-friendly and health-conscious. Meanwhile, frozen imported legs of lamb, fruit pies and frozen chicken breasts have been chucked in the bin to better reflect consumers’ changing tastes. The Office [...]
B&Q owner Kingfisher’s shares dive on European store closures March 16, 2020 Shares in B&Q owner Kingfisher plunged this morning after the DIY retailer warned that sales were expected to take a hit as stores closed across Europe due to the outbreak of coronavirus. The firm’s share price dropped more than 19 per cent after it was forced to shutter 221 of its Castorama and Brico Depot [...]
Halfords closes its cycling businesses as it pivots to online March 16, 2020 Halfords has announced the closure of two of its cycling businesses as it focuses its attention on its online operations. The retailer is closing the operations of Cycle Republic and the Boardman Performance Centre following a strategic review of the group’s cycling businesses. Halfords said it was closing the low-returning and stock intensive business next [...]
UK distillery numbers jump as craft gin popularity booms March 16, 2020 The number of distilleries in the UK has surged as craft gin continues to grow in popularity, according to the latest research. Distilleries jumped 20 per cent to 246 over the last year, up from 205 the previous year, as the UK gin industry toasted a nine per cent increase in export sales to £672m [...]