Lidl and Pets at Home are the latest retailers to offer to hand back the business rates relief they were granted in March to support them through the Covid-19 pandemic. They followed Tesco, which made the first announcement and were quickly joined by Aldi, Asda B&M, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s – all of which have benefited hugely from having been treated as ‘essential retailers’ during periods when many other businesses were forced to close. Notably, most also provide online shopping and home delivery services which have enjoyed a surge in demand.
However, JLP has said it will not be making repayments despite Waitrose having generated increased sales during the period. Marks and Spencer has taken a similar stance. Meanwhile, the Co-op which positions itself as an ethical, retailer has yet to make an offer of repayment despite having enjoyed strong sales as a neighbourhood food retailer.
Share