Quarter of UK retailers at risk of collapse within four weeks, survey reveals

  • 26% of UK retailers at risk of running out of cash within four weeks due to supply chain issues
  • 85% of retailer businesses have faced supply chain problems in the last year
  • 46% of shops and e-commerce brands experienced stockouts, leading to lost sales
  • Shortage of goods was the biggest issue for 68% of respondents
  • Increased shipping costs affected 64% of firms
  • Lengthier delivery times impacted 54% of businesses
  • Suppliers selling out of stock hit 46% of retailers
  • Increased prices of raw materials affected 40% of respondents
  • Luxury goods sector most severely impacted with 92% facing supply issues
  • DIY & gardening, sports and leisure, electronics, and fashion and footwear also hit hard
  • Supply chain problems added 21% to average retailer’s costs in the last year
  • 58% of sellers raised prices due to issues
  • 29% took a margin hit while trying to keep prices stable

A recent Brightpearl survey found that over a quarter of UK retailers are just four weeks away from collapse due to supply chain issues. The study involved 500 retailers and revealed that 85% have faced supply chain problems in the past year. Almost half experienced stockouts, leading to lost sales. Shortage of goods was the biggest issue for 68% of respondents, followed by increased shipping costs (64%) and lengthier delivery times (54%). Luxury goods were hit hardest, with 92% facing supply issues. DIY & gardening, sports and leisure, electronics, and fashion and footwear also faced significant challenges. The crisis is expected to worsen as we approach autumn and peak trading season. Brightpearl CEO Derek O’Carroll advises retailers to plan for further turmoil and use tools and technologies to manage stock and pricing strategies.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information based on a survey of UK retailers and includes quotes from the CEO of Brightpearl, an expert in the field. It discusses the impact of supply chain issues on various sectors and offers advice for businesses to mitigate the effects of the crisis.
Noise Level: 6
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the impact of supply chain issues on UK retailers but could benefit from more analysis or context on how these problems are affecting consumers and the broader economy.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: UK retailers, luxury goods, DIY & gardening, sports and leisure, electronics, fashion and footwear industries
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the financial struggles faced by UK retailers due to supply chain issues, which have led to increased costs, stockouts, and potential bankruptcy for a significant portion of businesses. This directly impacts their ability to operate and maintain profitability, affecting various industries and potentially impacting consumer behavior.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk