A surge in Covid cases and fears over a new variant of the disease plunged 21 million people, including residents of London, into new tier four restrictions, including the closure of so-called ‘non-essential’ stores.

As if that was not enough, the consequent closure of the French border throttled a key supply route into the country and the delivery of some goods, especially produce, looked as if it was in jeopardy. 

It was a perfect storm to end a tempestuous year. What will be the implications for the retail industry?