UK Retail Industry: Scoping Document

Abstract

• This document aims to establish the scope of a thematic website collection initiated as part of the UK Legal Libraries Non-Print Legal Deposit collection building. The proposed collection has been given the working title ““The UK retail industry: changes on the high street””. The objective is to preserve those web resources which are expected to be of interest to future researchers. Additional criteria that inform the selection process include whether content is only published on the web, whether a website is at risk of being lost, and whether selection would result in a more comprehensive collection. Collection Background: The UK retail industry has undergone dramatic change over the last decade. As consumer expectations change and societies become more driven by the need for sustainability, consumer goods and retail companies are having to transform to survive. The pandemic has brought about a new set of purchasing behaviours, accelerating the existing shift towards online shopping after all non-essential physical stores were closed. With falling high street sales and increased online competition, some retailers were struggling before the coronavirus pandemic began. Its impact has lessened their chances of survival. A recent study by Alvarez & Marshal suggests that half of UK retailers could be wiped out if coronavirus continues. When Woolworths disappeared from the UK high street, there were a number of value offers including B&M Bargains, Poundland and Iceland that filled the void. The disappearance of Woolworths has been followed by Toys R Us, Jane Norman, Principles, Tie Rack, Barrats, Borders and more recently Thomas Cook, Oasis and Warehouse among others. Company websites show technological changes, customers needs, market trends, product innovation as well as company’s culture, strategies and values. This information is invaluable for those studying social history of Britain but will also inspire many future business leaders.