EDITORIAL Retail in a time of coronavirus

In today’s InternetRetailing newsletter we’re reporting on how coronavirus is changing the way that shoppers buy – and how retailers are responding. We’ll be taking an extended look at the retail effects of the disease as we monitor the situation, with regular updates as the story evolves. Today’s insights include advice to prepare to deliver more as the rate of online shopping already seems to be increasing, while supermarkets are drawing on their no-deal Brexit stocks to counter signs of panic buying in shops. 

China is well ahead of the UK in that it’s now starting to return to normal after its extended New Year shut down in the face of the virus. Today we have guest analysis from Elena Gatti of Azoya, who takes a look at what Chinese brands and retailers have done to keep customers served during the outbreak, and what UK retailers might can learn from them. 

More shoppers now look first at marketplaces such as Amazon when they turn to buy online – but buy brands they hadn’t previously heard of when they do so. A new ChannelAdvisor study maps the extent of this, and what helps brands to stand out on third-party websites. 

We report as Domino’s Pizza reports full-year results – including strong online growth, although its loss-making international businesses, now being sold off, took it into the red. And we look to our European coverage for news of how H&M is now helping others to access its sustainable supply chain.

In today’s guest comment, Sairah Mojib of Widen considers how brands can best manage their digital assets ahead of Easter.

Image: Adobe Stock

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