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 -6 February
Popping Off? The pop-up shop looks set for a revival in 2018
While some of the UK’s favourite brands experienced a dip in footfall and an increase in online sales over the 2017 festive period, the death of the high street is a long way off. This is partly due to the habits of younger shoppers, whose interest in creating “experiences” has…
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2 February
The role of manufacturers and retailers have in creating a circular economy
Consumers have long been targeted for their sustainability efforts, from recycling to upcycling and beyond. However, while individuals can make a difference to sustainability targets, businesses, and in particular, manufacturers and retailers are now being called upon to do much more to help create Britain’s much needed circular economy. Why?…
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1 February
Why retailers are losing the fight against online counterfeiting
What do premier watches, designer handbags and prescription pharmaceuticals all have in common? These are just a few items being sold on the Internet, as counterfeits of actual brand names, for enormous profits. In fact, according to the International Trademark Association, $460bn (£323.11bn) of counterfeit goods were bought and sold…
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Jan- 2018 -31 January
How to cater for the millennial consumer
Technological advancements have certainly changed the game for the modern-day consumer, and this couldn’t be more true for the group known as millennials. Being clued up when it comes to online content and data has changed the way in which millennials have made decisions about where to shop, and if…
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30 January
The new age of the one click customer
The boundless rise of automation is changing the way we communicate and altering the ways in which businesses operate. Today digital technologies are enabling new business models and creating new revenue streams. Take Skyscanner for example, the travel fare aggregator website has capitalised on digital payment technologies and moved away…
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29 January
PPC trends we’re likely to see in the retail industry in 2018
Last year, there were many changes to paid search, including a change to the AdWords dashboard and the rise of voice search, the latter we’re likely to see a lot more of over the course of the next 12 months. But what about other aspects of PPC? Will robots take…
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26 January
Using RFID to improve the customer experience
Dissatisfied and unengaged customers are an unfortunate part of the retail industry. Poor customer service can result in the possible loss of a sale or diminished brand loyalty. However, what is poor customer service actually costing your business? Dean Frew thinks Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) holds the key. Research from…
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24 January
The positive side of negative customer reviews
At a time when the big chains have more buying power than ever, finding ways to differentiate and grow an independent retail brand is very important. User generated content, in the form of customer endorsements and online reviews, are a powerful way to achieve this and help consumers to decide…
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22 January
How can retailers overcome the omnichannel challenges?
Consumers’ demands on retailers have intensified in the past decade. Previously, having an online store to accompany your physical shop was seen as a luxury, now it is essential and online shopping has taken the next step to meet customer demand. Consumers want the ability to shop seamlessly across multiple…
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19 January
How to make Right to Work checks easier
The UK workforce is becoming increasingly diverse in its makeup, and while undoubtedly this is a good thing, it isn’t without some challenges. Civil penalties set by the UK government have become stricter for those who are employing workers who do not have the right to work in the UK.…
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