Number of shoppers in central London booms as Covid restrictions are eased April 12, 2021 Footfall rocketed this morning as England eased coronavirus restrictions and non-essential retail was allowed to open for business for the first time in months. In the first few hours of trading this morning footfall in shopping centres jumped nearly 340 per cent when compared with last week, according to the latest data from Springboard. Footfall [...]
NHS Covid-19 app update blocked for privacy breaches April 12, 2021 An update to the NHS Covid-19 app has been blocked by Apple and Google for breaking the companies’ privacy terms. The app was due for a fresh reboot from today to coincide with the reopening of pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops, which would have allowed users to log venues they had checked into via a [...]
Bricks and mortar retailers ramp up hiring plans ahead of reopening April 8, 2021 Bricks and mortar retailers that have managed to survive, and in some cases thrive, during the pandemic have begun ramping up hiring plans ahead of the reopening date. According to the latest research, retail vacancies have climbed to within 14 per cent of their pre-Covid levels, after falling as much as 65 per cent last year. [...]
London City boss joins calls for global approach to lifting travel restrictions February 26, 2021 The boss of London City airport has today joined calls for the government to lead the way in implementing a set of “globally recognised travel standards” to get the capital thriving again. His comments came as business body London First said the government should champion measures allowing visitors with either proof of vaccination or a [...]
Primark owner takes £1.5bn sales hit from lockdown restrictions February 25, 2021 Primark owner Associated British Foods (ABF) this morning warned lockdown store closures would take £1.1bn off first half sales
Asda puts 5,000 jobs at risk in online shopping push February 25, 2021 Asda has put around 5,000 jobs at risk as it aims to simplify the business and focus on its online shopping offer. The grocer this morning said it had begun formal consultations with 5,000 employees, but that it will create 4,500 new jobs in online operations this year. The supermarket has proposed the simplification of [...]
Retail landlord Shaftesbury expects West End ‘revival’ as lockdown lifts February 25, 2021 West End landlord Shaftesbury this morning said occupier interest had improved after the lockdown lifting roadmap was announced, saying the easing of restrictions will herald a “revival” of the London’s theatre and shopping district. However, the FTSE 250 developer said current restrictions were continuing to have a “significant impact on economic activity and consumer spending [...]
Mitie raises full year guidance as Interserve deal beds in January 28, 2021 Outsourcer Mitie today raised its guidance for the full year due to an improved performance in the second half and its merger with Interserve. The FTSE 250 company said that full year revenue would now come in at £2.4-£2.5bn, with profit up to £57m-£61m. Shares in the firm rose 3.1 per cent as markets opened [...]
Debate: Will digital retailers continue to hoover up high street chains? January 27, 2021 Boohoo’s purchase of the Debenhams brand, and Asos’ pursuit of Topshop, suggests that the online revolution has very much succeeded. But is it that simple? Vicky Bullen, CEO, Coley Porter Bell says YES You don’t have to be Mike Ashley to spot the enormous opportunity in online retail since the coronavirus pandemic hit. Never before [...]
Primark expects £1bn sales hit due to lockdown store closures January 14, 2021 Associated British Foods (ABF), the owner of Primark, said the closure of the budget fashion chain’s stores had cost the company £540m in lost sales so far, warning the total could reach £1bn due to ongoing restrictions. ABF said the loss of sales due to temporary store closures will cost the firm £1.05bn if they [...]