Retail

UK retailers raise e-com roles to address digital sales

10 Sep '20

2 min read

Pic: Shutterstock

UK retailers are increasing their e-commerce staff to handle rising online sales in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic, according to research by Barclays, which said the requirement for employees to handle digital sales is continuing to grow, with the Office of National Statistics (ONS) reporting that £3 in every £10 is now being spent online.

As a result, one in seven UK retailers has created roles.

The Barclays Corporate Banking white paper reveals that over a quarter of the businesses questioned think the pandemic has helped to transform digital sales in the retail sector.

A third have made improvements to their websites, 32 per cent has expanded capacity for taking different payment methods and 26 per cent has got to grips with data analytics for the first time.

Home improvement outlets appear to be leading the way in terms of investment, with 80 per cent saying they were feeling positive about growing revenue from online sales over the next three months.

At the same time, one in seven businesses reported that they planned to reduce the number of physical outlets they have in urban areas within the next twelve months. Meanwhile, a fifth of the respondents said there is a future for local high street outlets, rather than in city centre locations.

The paper indicates that confidence across the retail sector is high, with 94 per cent of those surveyed expecting growth opportunities to keep heading upwards, well into next year.

The report also revealed a shift towards a more localised retail model. Supply chains were thrown into disarray at the height of the pandemic. Consequently, more businesses are looking at using suppliers closer to their own base wherever possible.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

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