In today’s InternetRetailing newsletter, we’re reporting as retailers respond to the inherent challenges of the massive ongoing changes in the way customers want to buy. Covid-19 – and the threat of a second wave and local lockdowns – is the most obvious factor driving that change. It is said that change has been coming in any case, but Covid-19 has just acted as the accelerant. Today it was cited as Edinburgh Woollen Mill group gave notice of plans to appoint administrators. The retail group says it’s looking for a breathing space while it considers a number of offers for the business, whose brands also include Jaeger and Peacocks, but it will also need to take stock of how its customers have changed the way they buy, with older shoppers thought to be among the least likely to return to shops at the moment.
Very Group, meanwhile, has benefited from its long-standing focus on mobile. During the pandemic, it says more of its customers than ever opted to buy via their smartphones as they looked for convenient ways to buy while staying at home. The retailer reaped the benefits of socially distanced and automated warehousing as it continued to trade throughout.
Amazon delayed its Prime Day event to next week as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Analysts say that competitors are already discounting heavily in the run up to the event, which is this year expected to mark the start of this year’s peak trading season. But data also suggests that Amazon may find that its sales are well down on previous Prime Day events.
In today’s guest comment, Derek O’Carroll of Brightpearl advises retailers on how they can prepare for a second wave of the pandemic.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
DOWNLOAD OUR NEW REPORT
Warehousing 2025
The InternetRetailing Warehousing 2025 report explores this critical stage of the direct-to-consumer journey
You are in: Home » Editorial » EDITORIAL Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Amazon and Very: how retailers – and their staff – are responding to Covid-19
EDITORIAL Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Amazon and Very: how retailers – and their staff – are responding to Covid-19
Chloe Rigby
In today’s InternetRetailing newsletter, we’re reporting as retailers respond to the inherent challenges of the massive ongoing changes in the way customers want to buy. Covid-19 – and the threat of a second wave and local lockdowns – is the most obvious factor driving that change. It is said that change has been coming in any case, but Covid-19 has just acted as the accelerant. Today it was cited as Edinburgh Woollen Mill group gave notice of plans to appoint administrators. The retail group says it’s looking for a breathing space while it considers a number of offers for the business, whose brands also include Jaeger and Peacocks, but it will also need to take stock of how its customers have changed the way they buy, with older shoppers thought to be among the least likely to return to shops at the moment.
Very Group, meanwhile, has benefited from its long-standing focus on mobile. During the pandemic, it says more of its customers than ever opted to buy via their smartphones as they looked for convenient ways to buy while staying at home. The retailer reaped the benefits of socially distanced and automated warehousing as it continued to trade throughout.
Amazon delayed its Prime Day event to next week as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Analysts say that competitors are already discounting heavily in the run up to the event, which is this year expected to mark the start of this year’s peak trading season. But data also suggests that Amazon may find that its sales are well down on previous Prime Day events.
In today’s guest comment, Derek O’Carroll of Brightpearl advises retailers on how they can prepare for a second wave of the pandemic.
We have a reminder today from retailTRUST of the toll the pandemic has taken on retail industry workers’ mental health. It’s urging retailers to join its new campaign ,which launches today to find ways to support staff wellbeing during and beyond lockdown.
And we also have the third in a series of three briefings on the practical steps that retailers can take now ahead of the end of the Brexit transition period – which ends on December 31. As yet there’s still uncertainty over the UK’s trading relationships with the EU, but there are still ways that retailers can plan and prepare, nonetheless.
Read More
You may also like
Subscribe to our email community