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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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AO World has announced that its group revenue is expected to rise 13% year-on-year for the six months ended 30 September 2025.

Alongside this, the company revealed that it expects its B2C retail revenues to increase 11%.

As a result, the company reiterated its FY26 revenue guidance of double-digit B2C growth and updated its profit expectation for FY26, with adjusted PBT now expected to be £45m to £50m versus the previous guidance range of £40m to £50m.

With its strong cash generation and the board’s ongoing confidence in its future performance, the group has announced its intention to commence its first-ever share buyback programme of AO’s ordinary shares up to £10m.

Furthermore, it expects its H1 2026 cash position to be around £70m with its revolving credit facility of £120m to be undrawn.

John Roberts, AO’s founder and CEO, said: “I’m delighted that we are on track to deliver yet another period of double-digit revenue growth and a strong profit performance, whilst maintaining our globally leading customer service standards.

“Our strategy as set out at our full year results is working and we have an exciting pipeline of further value to deliver for customers in H2. Our Five Star membership programme continues to go from strength to strength as our customers realise the exceptional value that it offers. This, combined with our ongoing efforts to broaden our product range, is an increasingly key driver of our performance.”

He added: “None of this happens by accident and as always I am hugely grateful for each and every AOer for their continued focus on, and passion for, delivering brilliant service to our growing customer base.”

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