Glasgow retail business Quiz reopens web operations

● Fast fashion firm follows Next with online relaunch ● Physical stores remain closed amid lockdown

Glasgow-headquartered fashion chain Quiz has reopened its online operation after boosting physical distancing and safety measures for warehouse workers.

The so-called fast fashion firm said its website was now fully functional, offering standard delivery services, in a move that came a day after high street stalwart Next reopened its online operations.

Quiz added that it will staff the warehouse with workers who are “willing and able to return to work safely”. But the group stressed it has “significantly” cut the number of employees working there at any given time to allow for social distancing.

Quiz had initially kept its online business open after closing its physical stores and concessions last month ahead of the government lockdown for non-essential retailers. It had announced the temporary closure of its web service on 27 March following “feedback” from employees.

In its latest update, the firm said: “The group has significantly reduced the number of employees working in the distribution centre at any given time to enable strict social distancing.

“A number of additional safety measures have also been implemented, including deep cleaning and the provision of personal protection equipment in order to keep its employees safe and protected.”

Next returned to selling clothes online on Tuesday after it also put extra safety measures in place.

But by 9am the website had closed again, saying it had already received all the orders it could process for the day, given the limited operations due to social distancing.

The retail giant closed its online operations in late March amid the coronavirus crisis, following criticism from staff who felt unsafe at work.

In January, Quiz, which has been struggling to grow revenues both on and offline, reported a slump in sales over the key Christmas period.

Despite enjoying strong trading over the Black Friday weekend, the retailer posted a 9.3 per cent drop in revenues in the seven weeks to 4 January.

This included a 14.8 per cent slide in total online sales as a result of terminating agreements with third-party website partners over the past year. Revenues from UK bricks-and-mortar stores, both standalone and concessions, declined by 7 per cent.

Chief executive Tarak Ramzan said at the time: “Whilst the trading backdrop has remained challenging, it is disappointing to report a decline in revenues in the period.

“We have continued to make good progress in improving gross margins and reducing costs.”

Quiz pointed to a strong balance sheet with a net cash position of £10.7 million as of 4 January.