In today’s InternetRetailing newsletter, we report as a third of all retail sales took place online for the first time in May, according to the latest ONS retail sales figures. That’s part of a shift that Dwain McDonald of DPD describes as the ‘biggest boom in online retailing in the UK’s history’. We bring together his comments with those of analysts from Forrester, Global Data, Edge Retail Insights, and more as they ask consumers and businesses how they see Covid-19 shaping their future strategies.
Both this research and the ONS report show a distinct difference in the experience of those whose businesses are benefitting from Covid-19 – and those who are suffering. One of those that seems to have done very well is Studio Retail, with product sales up by 55% in the first quarter of its current financial year. It says its previous transformation programme that has seen it streamline both its website and mobile app have helped put it in the right place to meet the demands of the the lockdown customer – an advantage that it expects to retain as shopping behaviours continue to evolve.
In an interview today, we speak to Nick Collard and Jade Denham of the digital team at Holland & Barrett on how they’ve adapted their business – including a fast move towards enabling microdonations via Pennies on their website, as well as transforming stores into distribution hubs and partnering with Deliveroo.
Elsewhere, we report as John Lewis unveils a ambition to remove fossil fuels formats transport fleet by 2030, part of its commitment to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest.
Today’s guest comment comes from Anna Brettle of Stellar who argues that the retail landscape is changing rapidly, remapping how retail brands try to influence the consumer purchase process says.
And from our European coverage, we report as Carrefour adds voice grocery shopping to its retail business in France.
