By Dr Inci Toral and Dr Sarah Montano Department of Marketing, University of Birmingham Unfortunately, we are seeing the demise of the department stores such brands as Debenhams, John Lewis and House Fraser, due to the fact that as large organisations it is difficult for them to be agile and respond quickly to new consumer … Continue reading “Goodbye Debenhams”
Tag: high street
COVID-19 bringing new life to dying high streets
By Dr Sarah Montano Department of Marketing, University of Birmingham COVID-19 has obviously had a severe impact on all businesses, from multi-nationals to independent, although the ONS states that there are signs of recovery with retail sales in June at near pre-lockdown levels. But how can independent businesses re-open and stay successful whilst maintaining social … Continue reading “COVID-19 bringing new life to dying high streets”
A New High Street Experience
By Dr Sarah Montano Department of Marketing, University of Birmingham The impact of COVID-19 on UK retail activity has been virtually unprecedented, with a record 18.1% fall in retail sales, in April 2020, which followed a fall of 5.2% in March 2020. The impact of this fall in sales can be particularly seen by the … Continue reading “A New High Street Experience”
Primark’s recipe for success has become its Achilles heel
By Dr Emma Gardner Department of Strategy and International Business, University of Birmingham With over 370 stores in 12 countries, Primark has secured its position as a leading fashion retailer… Recent years have been tumultuous for the British high street. Numerous firms, such as New Look, Oasis and Warehouse have entered into administration, while … Continue reading “Primark’s recipe for success has become its Achilles heel”
Transforming UK Town Centres
By Dr Sarah Montano Department of Marketing, University of Birmingham The BBC have recently reported that in the first month of 2020, almost 10,000 retail jobs have been lost in the UK. The Centre for Retail Research are predicting that this year, due to 17,565 store closures, 171,669 retail jobs will be affected, as compared … Continue reading “Transforming UK Town Centres”
Retail Success in an Uncertain Market
By Dr Sarah Montano, Department of Marketing, University of Birmingham Primark has recently announced that it is on course to report annual sales and profit growth. The Co-Op has also reported significant sales growth, this is in contrast to the frequent reports of decline in the high street. John Lewis, on the other hand presents … Continue reading “Retail Success in an Uncertain Market”
Should Amazon give back in the face of changing consumer demand?
By Dr Sarah Montano Senior Lecturer in Marketing, Birmingham Business School Amazon are reportedly opening a series of pop up shops in 10 UK town centres offering a range of products and a click and collect service, in the form of Amazon lockers. There is some concern about Amazon moving to the high street after … Continue reading “Should Amazon give back in the face of changing consumer demand?”
Is M&S stuck in the middle?
By Professor Isabelle Szmigin, Professor of Marketing Department of Marketing, University of Birmingham Marks and Spencer has been in decline for many years. The problem is that it has never really bitten the bullet of change. As Marks and Spencer announce the closure of 22 of their outlets, and up to a hundred in total by 2022, … Continue reading “Is M&S stuck in the middle?”
Another mall, another high street closure – is there really anything to worry about?
By Professor Isabelle Szmigin, Professor of Marketing Department of Marketing, University of Birmingham While high street retailers will continue to battle their online competition, out-of-town malls, business rates and expensive car parking, they still have their fate in their own hands. We’re already seeing the high street take a big hit in 2018, with Toys R … Continue reading “Another mall, another high street closure – is there really anything to worry about?”