Retail Critical Issues

An extraordinary rise in work related injuries to warehouse and delivery staff, as a result of the UK’s biggest spike in online retailing, poses a threat to economic recovery unless there’s an evolution in materials handling practices. That’s the prediction of Luton-based Stanley, which is advocating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to protect workers.

Even as the high street came out of hibernation last month, June’s online retail sales spiked to a new twelve-year high of +33.9% Year-on-Year (YoY). That’s according to the latest IMRG Capgemini Online Retail Index, which tracks the online sales performance of over 200 retailers.

Three quarters of UK retail workers have experienced a situation where they felt their physical safety was at risk at work, according to new research by retail communication specialist, VoCoVo.

New research has revealed millions of consumers are spending more money than usual on their homes as a result of lockdown, with 75 per cent of Brits planning further improvements over the next year.

COVID-19 has hit all kinds of sectors hard and fast. Businesses struck in particular – such as travel, restaurants and pubs – have a long and hard road ahead of them which, for many organisations, may seem impossible.

GfK has released its 4th COVID-19 flash report using data gathered between 18th and 26thJune. It shows the long-running Consumer Confidence Index has increased by three points over the past two weeks. Four measures increased and one measure decreased.

Buying and selling online has never been easier and with eCommerce growing from strength to strength, Mark Harper of HSM investigates and questions the sustainability issues around use of packaging material in online selling.

The virtual reality (VR)/augmented reality (AR) market – collectively known as extended reality (XR) – has been on the cusp of becoming the next mainstream platform, but it has remained niche for many years thanks to technological limitations and scant content.

The coronavirus outbreak has had severe consequences for retailers and, according to the report, 48% of shoppers are now scared to shop in store as a result of the pandemic. Nigel Naylor-Smith, Head of Retail and Hospitality, Fujitsu UK, discusses why he believes retailers will still need to prioritise their digital offerings to appeal to the change in consumer demand as lockdown measures ease.

During the pandemic, the foundations on which retailers, brands and Consumer Products companies rely to determine trade volumes, pricing and promotions have been shaken and, in some cases, broken.