Retail news that keeps industry pros in the know
Retail Brew delivers the latest retail industry news and insights surrounding marketing, DTC, and e-commerce to keep leaders and decision-makers up to date.
It’s beginning to look a lot like March: As Covid-19 cases shot upward in Europe, officials in several countries instituted new retail lockdowns.
Just like last time…nonessential businesses are required to close their doors in several countries, including the U.K. and France.
- Retail trade groups in the U.K. said that enabling curbside pickup and online sales would not make up “lost ground” from temporary closures.
- Effects from earlier closures still linger: Marks & Spencer reported its first-ever loss this week, partially due to pandemic store closures.
Unlike last time...e-comm and production operations in some countries are prepared to work overtime. Italy will allow all factories to remain open during its second lockdown—a benefit for many fashion houses. And Zalando, a Germany-based online fashion retailer, is expediting plans to build online storefronts for previously IRL-only brands.
Zoom out: Despite reaching consecutive single day records for reported Covid-19 cases, the U.S. isn’t yet pursuing plans to restrict retail businesses. Still, some brands are preparing for a second lockdown with enhanced e-comm ops, BoF reports.