Search
Close this search box.

EDITORIAL Planning ahead: how retailers can prepare for coronavirus and the end of freedom of movement

Image: Fotolia

Image: Fotolia

In today’s InternetRetailing newsletter we report on ways that retailers can plan now for upcoming challenges, from a potential coronavirus outbreak to the end of free movement at the end of this year.

 It’s still unclear what the impact of the coronavirus will be on the UK’s retail market, but making plans in case of a major impact is now vital, says ParcelHero’s David Jinks, who has put together a 10 point checklist on how retailers and delivery companies should plan their logistics. His call for planning comes at a time when outgoing Bank of England governor Mark Carney says the economic effects are already beginning to be felt – but that as it it’s unclear how far they will go, and how long they will last. 

Today we also have guest analysis from Naomi Hanrahan-Soar of Lewis Silkin on how retailers can plan for the end of freedom of movement, set to come into effect at the end of the year. 

Elsewhere we report as Homebase returns to profit following investment in its stores and online under  the management team that bought it out in 2018. The retailer has taken action to right size its stores and rethink the way it sells in a formula that appears to be working. Topps Tiles says its second quarter sales remain under pressure as the retail environment continues to be challenging. 

Watches of Switzerland reports a 20% rise in online sales as it benefits from selling luxury watches in a market where demand has remained stronger than supply. It’s also investing in improved stores in order that give its customers the upmarket experience they expect. 

Today’s guest comment is from Ralf Gladis of Computop who argues that recent changes to the regulation of the SCA Delegation have delivered a powerful tool that removes payment authentication from banks, and puts it back in the hands of retailers.

And we’ve looked to our RXUK Top500 report to focus on how leading retailers are adding value services to their delivery services. 

Image: Fotolia

Read More

Register for Newsletter

Group 4 Copy 3Created with Sketch.

Receive 3 newsletters per week

Group 3Created with Sketch.

Gain access to all Top500 research

Group 4Created with Sketch.

Personalise your experience on IR.net