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On this episode of Talking Shop I’m joined by Alain Bejjani—former Group CEO of Middle East retail giant Majid Al Futtaim, and author of the definitive new book, NEXT: Leading Through the New Realities. Drawing on his childhood in war-torn Beirut, and his experience steering a $9.5bn dollar retail and lifestyle empire through a global pandemic, Alain brings an unmatched perspective on leadership under pressure. Today, we break down his crisis survival playbook for retailers operating in distress. We discuss why resilience must always outpace efficiency, the four assets a brand must protect at all costs, and how to turn macro-turmoil into a long-term direction that scales.

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River Island has brought in AlixPartners to work on a cost reduction and profit improvement exercise ahead of the planned tax rises in April, according to reports from Sky News.

Precise details of the exercise were not clear but is not believed to encompass formal restructuring work that could lead to store closures.

River Island still trades from more than 250 stores, according to its website.

For the year ended 30 December 2023 River Island posted pre-tax loss of £33.2m.

Alongside this, the company’s turnover during the year fell by more than 19% to £578.1m.

AlixPartners has also been hired to advise the discount retailer Poundland’s parent company, Pepco Group.

From 1 April businesses in the UK will be required to pay more in National Insurance contributions for employees.

Alongside this, the National Minimum Wage will increase to £12.21 per hour with efforts being made to bring the minimum wage for 18-21 year olds closer to that figure.

Retail Sector has approached River Island for comment.

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