In today’s InternetRetailing newsletter we’re reflecting on what the new Covid-19 restrictions announced today by UK prime minister Boris Johnson are likely to mean for retailers, both directly and indirectly. These come in a week that we also report on what Covid-19 has meant so far for retailers from Screwfix and B&Q to Superdry. The retailers have had a very different pandemic experience. At both fashion retailer Superdry and at DIY and trade specialists B&Q and Screwfix, lockdown meant a rise in online sales. But while B&Q and Screwfix were able to react fast, turning shops into click and collect fulfilment centres during lockdown – and most of its customers did come to shops to collect their online orders. But it had a very different effect on Superdry, which cites social distancing in-store as one of the factors that’s likely to mean its business shifts online faster than previously expected. It is now focusing online and on social media as it expects its sales shift further online.
Today, George at Asda has confirmed that it is to cut 50 jobs as it moves to a “nimbler and more agile” head office structure, and Unilever says it’s working with Google Cloud to achieve a deforestation-free supply chain by 2020.
We report on the latest customer research from Selligent and in today’s guest comment, Tony Preedy of Fruugo considers why the retail sector cannot afford to lose sight of ecommerce.