Shakespeare: B&Q rollercoaster points to Covid confusion May 13, 2020 Our chart today looks like a rollercoaster and that’s what it must feel like for high street retailers negotiating government advice and public opinion. After initial confusion as to which businesses were “essential” following Boris Johnson’s initial COVID-19 lockdown announcement, Government clarified that hardware stores could remain open. But B&Q reacted to criticism from employees [...]
Boohoo’s understanding helps it avoid lockdown tears May 6, 2020 Fashion retailer Boohoo operates its namesake brand, menswear edition Boohooman, PrettyLittleThing, Nasty Gal, Miss Pap and high street brands Karen Millen and Coast. Despite its many names Boohoo follows an online-only model, meaning that the nationwide lockdown in response the coronavirus crisis has led to minimal disruption. Boohoo’s chief financial officer reported that customer acquisition [...]
Shakespeare: Admiral’s car insurance refund will be remembered April 29, 2020 The coronavirus lockdown has now confined Britons to their homes for five weeks, apart from essential journeys. In recognition of everybody driving less, and the subsequent profit made from reduced insurance claims, Admiral has offered £110 million back to their car and van customers as part of a ‘Stay at Home Refund’. A £25 refund [...]
Coronavirus: Pret will see the benefits of doing the right thing April 22, 2020 The coronavirus crisis has required businesses to alter their COVID-19 strategy frequently in line with changing government advice. Some businesses have had more success than others with striking a good balance and doing the right thing in the eyes of the public, particularly at the start of the crisis in March. One brand which has [...]
Coronavirus: Sports Direct-ly to a negative reaction April 15, 2020 Sports Direct recently attempted to keep its stores open despite the Government’s COVID-19 lockdown – arguing that, with gyms closed and Brits stuck indoors, exercise equipment counts as an essential service. YouGov polling reveals that the public overwhelmingly disagrees. Some 95% of Brits believe that sports equipment stores are not key services, and just 3% [...]
Shakespeare: The pandemic is changing the retail market, even online April 8, 2020 Lockdown has created a difficult situation for retailers of goods that are deemed ‘non-essential’ as brands try to adhere to social distancing guidelines for employees while balancing the need to continue trading. Some Brits have taken to social media to argue that ordering non-essential items online creates unnecessary risks for warehouse employees. But encouragingly for [...]
Brands that put staff and customers first see popularity soar April 1, 2020 As Britain settles into its second week of lockdown, daily life has become almost unrecognisable. The retail industry has been hit hard as a direct result of enforced closures and decimated consumer demand, leading many businesses to issue profit warnings, withhold rent and lay off staff. However, there are brands who have reacted well to [...]
Game takes pre-lockdown hit as virus shuts down high street March 24, 2020 Game was among the last of the non-essential high street brands to shut down during the coronavirus crisis. As with other Fraser Group brands, the retailer didn’t close its doors to customers until the government announced that it would enforce a UK-wide lockdown — against existing official advice and amidst sharply declining purchase intention. YouGov [...]
Hugo Boss’ name might suffer, but the brand will survive March 11, 2020 Luxury fashion label Hugo Boss made headlines earlier this month when comedian Joe Lycett legally changed his name to… Hugo Boss. The move was in reaction to a small independent brewery contacting his consumer rights show Got Your Back to complain that they’d been forced to spend thousands in legal fees and rebranding from Boss [...]
Direct Line to cut jobs as customers mostly online March 3, 2020 It’s been a difficult start to the year for Direct Line. The company has paid out £1m worth of travel insurance claims as trips get cancelled due to the spread of coronavirus, and £35m in home insurance payouts due to last month’s storms. The Direct Line insurance group, which also owns the Churchill and Green [...]
