Retailers face an uneven return to recovery

The impact of the Covid-19 crisis on retailers will depend largely on how long the virus remains with us, and on the sub-sectors in which they trade

With increasing store closures, the effects of social distancing are being felt immediately in all sectors. Picture: RollingNews

There is no getting away from it: global retailers have to prepare to navigate a period of elevated risks to their cashflow and increased operational costs arising from this Covid19-led slump in consumer demand and disruption to supply chains. The drop in international travellers will most acutely affect global gateway cities, luxury markets and super prime retail destinations.

Domestic retail spending may suffer a temporary decline from consumer reluctance or inability to visit destinations where ...