Kenneth Rouse: Retail emerges transformed from Covid-19 chrysalis

The pandemic merely expedited many changes which were already in train in the sector, and those businesses which have adapted accordingly can look forward to a brighter future

Despite the acute difficulties faced during the pandemic, there are now reasons to be cautiously optimistic. Picture: Artur Widak

The wider retail sector continues to face challenges due to the emergence of more transmissible Covid-19 variants, ongoing social distancing constraints, reduced travel and tourism, and ongoing office closures which have diluted footfall in most of the world’s city centres and high street shopping locations.

However, as the link between cases and severe illness begins to break, we are seeing an easing of restrictions, offering some welcome relief and allowing the sector to focus on ...