Comment
Comment features expert perspectives and thought leadership from across the UK retail industry. This section includes opinion pieces, analysis, and commentary from senior retail executives, analysts, and sector specialists on the commercial, strategic, and operational forces shaping retail. Retail Sector’s Comment coverage explores issues such as consumer behaviour shifts, technology adoption, sustainability, regulation, and leadership — providing retail professionals with authoritative insight to inform decision-making and strategic planning.
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Feb- 2018 -20 February
My retail trend predictions for 2018
Rife with advancements in technology, new financial regulations and waves of thinking, the landscape of modern business is constantly evolving; pushing forward-planning to the forefront of driving success. This year has already seen the implementation of PSD2 and the launch of Amazon’s first check-out less supermarket, but there are a…
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19 February
Are you making these common mistakes on your e-commerce platform?
It is thought that by 2040 some 95% of purchases will be facilitated by e-commerce. As more people are turning to these platforms instead of the physical stores to make their purchases, it is vital for retailers to ensure that they optimise their platforms in order to boost traffic and…
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16 February
3 ways retailers can achieve better customer experience
In an ever-more-personalised retail world, where shopper loyalty is driven by the overall shopping journey, businesses big and small need to invest in a holistic customer experience strategy to keep up with customers’ interest. So what key elements should retailers consider when building a sensorial experience? Create the right atmosphere…
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15 February
Understanding, influence and drive – Challenging change management
We’ve all heard the saying ‘change is the only constant in life’. As retailers know, and in some cases have learnt the hard way, this can definitely be applied to their industry. The retail sector in the UK has changed significantly in the last 10 years and this dramatic transformation…
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14 February
Retail needs to play its part in reducing carbon emissions
A leaked study in 2008 revealed that emissions from shipping could be up to three times higher than previously believed. It was something of a wake up call for an industry that was on its way to becoming one of the largest contributors to global CO2 levels. That was a…
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13 February
Five future truths of digital signage in retail
Touchscreen devices such as iPads are becoming more and more prevalent within the in-store shopping experience, as retailers are increasingly turning to this technology to help increase their sales revenue. These touchscreen displays are typically placed around the store, allowing customers to scan through the available inventory and enabling them…
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12 February
The evolution of customer care
We live in an increasingly digital world. Throughout the day, consumers use multiple devices and channels to communicate with, and make purchases from, the retailers they use. Digitisation has changed the goal posts for retailers; customer service is evolving into customer convenience. And as more retailers build their services around…
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9 February
The changing face of retail and retail employment
Over the last five to 10 years we’ve all witnessed the changing face of the retail store. The early signs were evident, with Apple’s flagship stores launching as places to worship tech, the rise of experiential stores – where we’re just as likely to pop into one for a coffee…
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8 February
Five ways paid search can help retailers maximise sales events
Accounting for an estimated £8bn sales in 2017, Black Friday is a firm fixture on the retail calendar, even stealing sales from more traditional Christmas spending (December spending fell by 1.5% according to ONS). Having merged into Cyber Monday, the most effective ‘Black Fridays’ last year were actually week-long events,…
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7 February
Why retailers are struggling to bridge the omnichannel gap
The last decade has seen a huge shift in the retail industry with perpetual change and monumental technological advancements leaving behind an incredibly fast-paced, hypercompetitive environment. The modern customer now expects a quick, convenient and seamless experience, regardless of how or where they choose to purchase products. They expect merchants…
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