Britvic sales hit by coronavirus restrictions May 27, 2020 Britvic has reported volatile sales across the board due to the pandemic, with its out-of-home channel adversely hit by lockdown restrictions. The figures In the six months to 31 March, revenue rose 1% to £698m with profit before tax up 16% to £53m. Britvic said while it is confident of its liquidity the board will [...]
UK grocery sales surge at record level after two months of lockdown May 27, 2020 UK grocery sales rose 14.3 per cent during the 12 weeks to 17 May, the fastest rate since comparable records began in 1994, as Britons adapted to the national lockdown, data from market researcher Kantar showed today. The UK has been in lockdown since 23 March though restrictions are being gradually eased. Of Britain’s big [...]
Halfords to reopen 53 stores after Covid-19 lockdown May 27, 2020 Halfords today said it will reopen 53 stores across the UK after it was forced to close down its physical operations due to the coronavirus crisis. The bicycle and car parts retailer was granted essential retailer status following the lockdown, meaning it was able to keep 335 of its 446 stores open. However, these operated [...]
John Lewis to phase reopening of department stores from 15 June May 26, 2020 Department store chain John Lewis said it will open its stores on a “phased basis” after the government said non-essential retailers could reopen from 15 June. The retailer did not say how many of its 50 stores would open in mid-June, but said that the reopening would be phased to test in-store changes required to [...]
Nando’s reopens 94 UK restaurants for takeaway and delivery May 26, 2020 Nando’s has reopened 54 restaurants across the country, with a further 40 sites ready to reopen for delivery and click and collect tomorrow. The Peri-Peri chicken chain said it had successfully completed trials at a number of restaurants and was ready to expand its takeaway service across the UK. Nando’s will offer a reduced menu [...]
Retail footfall soars over bank holiday weekend May 26, 2020 Retail footfall soared over the weekend compared to the Easter bank holiday as shoppers made the most of the relaxation of lockdown restrictions in England. High street footfall surged 49 per cent yesterday compared to Easter Monday, while coastal towns saw visitor numbers jump 62 per cent. Footfall at retail parks was up 42 per [...]
Boris Johnson sets out plans for shops and markets to reopen May 25, 2020 The Prime Minister has set out plans for the second phase of easing lockdown restrictions from next week, which includes opening non-essential shops from 15 June. Boris Johnson said there will be a formal assessment of easing the coronavirus lockdown restrictions on Thursday as part of the legal review. However, he has revealed plans to [...]
Coronavirus: Pizza Express could permanently close some restaurants May 24, 2020 Pizza Express could be forced to permanently close some of its 470 UK restaurants after the coronavirus crisis heaped pressure on the debt-laden firm. The casual dining chain, which is owned by Chinese private equity firm Hony Capital, is reportedly mulling a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), which would allow it to shutter some or all [...]
Appointment times and NHS discounts: How retailers plan to lure shoppers back after lockdown May 23, 2020 After more than two months of enforced closure during the UK coronavirus lockdown, retailers across England are preparing to potentially reopen to shoppers from 1 June. The high street will look different when retailers are allowed to open their doors. Social distancing signage will be in place, shop assistants will wear masks and a number [...]
Marston’s and Carlsberg to unite brewing operations in £780m joint venture May 22, 2020 UK pub chain Marston’s share price skyrocketed today as it announced a plan to merge its brewing business with Carlsberg’s UK division in a £780m deal. The joint venture will value Marton’s Brewing Business at up to £580m and Carlsberg’s at £200m. But despite Marston’s superior valuation, the pub chain will only own 40 per [...]