Technology has become evermore important in aiding the communication between retailers and suppliers in the fashion supply chain, following the outbreak of COVID-19, according to one expert.
E-commerce sales have increased by nearly a quarter since the end of February, as consumers in lockdown moved online.
Fashion retailer Next has closed its warehousing and distribution operations and will not be taking any further orders via its e-commerce channels.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ordered the closure all shops selling non-essential goods and has ordered the police to disperse public gatherings of more than two people.
H&M will use its supply chain to deliver essential supplies including protective equipment to hospitals, in order to help with the rising demand during the coronavirus pandemic.
Ted Baker has said that, to date, it has seen minimal supply chain disruption as a result of COVID-19 but it has been forced to temporarily close stores that were responsible for 68% of its sale sin its most recent financial year.
Marks & Spencer said it is planning for a prolonged downturn in demand in its clothing and home division as a result of COVID-19 – and will be reducing its supply pipeline by over £100 million as it holds over stock.
Next has said there is “no way of predicting” the extent that the effect coronavirus will have on its online and retail divisions.
Trading in shares of Associated British Foods – owner of Primark – have been suspended after it warned that coronavirus had already hit sales.
Ted Baker has said that the first phase of its transformation plans will focus on profitability, cost, and the effective use of capital.
