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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Jul- 2024 -19 July
To charge or not to charge: how to adjust your return policy
In the last couple of years, the debate of charging for online returns has sparked considerable discussion among both retailers and customers. Some industry players are of the opinion that return fees mitigate costs and deter frivolous returns, while others argue that such policies jeopardise customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.…
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Jun- 2024 -27 June
How to make the most out of random uplifts in footfall
Heightened footfall in any given month is mostly random, and even when you can anticipate it – if there’s a big event going on or if it’s a public holiday – something is bound to make the footfall on those days either lacklustre or bountiful, such as the weather. The…
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14 June
Squeezed retailers are losing margin to wasteful online expenditure – and they don’t even know it
In recent years, retailers have faced a relentless squeeze on their margins. The impact of inflation has driven up the costs of goods, rent on stores and warehouses, and energy bills. Furthermore, supply chain disruptions caused by ongoing global conflicts, and a cost-of-living crisis, have further tightened budgets. These challenges…
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7 June
The power of personalisation in grocery retail
Over the last four years consumer behaviour has undergone a profound transformation, none more apparent than in the realm of grocery shopping. While some have returned to the aisles of brick-and-mortar stores, a significant portion continue to embrace the convenience of digital shopping for their weekly essentials. The shift towards…
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7 June
Here’s why AI can boost your customer experience
Artificial intelligence is revolutionising industries across the board, and retail is no exception. Historically associated with sectors like healthcare, finance, and digital marketing, AI is now making significant inroads into both physical and ecommerce retail spaces. Hitachi Solutions has estimated that $40bn (£31.4bn) in additional revenues was driven by AI…
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May- 2024 -29 May
Beyond the Basics: Nine Non-Obvious Criteria for Choosing the Right LMS for Retail Industry Training
Today the culture of continuous learning, skill development and professional improvement has been adopted by the vast majority of successful businesses. This is particularly true within the retail domain, where the market is highly competitive, and having more qualified personnel becomes a marketable advantage. According to our recent research, a…
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29 May
The Role of Retail Investors in the Stock Market
Opportunities abound in the stock market, and being a retail investor is one way to benefit. Retail investors have been dubbed an integral part of the financial market, and this guide examines their role. Who Is a Retail Investor? A retail investor is an individual who trades financial assets with…
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17 May
Here’s what you’re missing if you forgo a loyalty programme
Businesses have been known to implement loyalty programmes – or customer rewards, as some might call them – since at least the mid-80s. While it’s mostly associated with retail, it can be used by anyone who exchanges goods or services, from coffee shops to hairdressers. Some detractors might like to…
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Apr- 2024 -22 April
Evolving brand and retailer partnerships in a mobile-first world
In today’s digitally-driven retail landscape where consumer expectations and behaviours constantly evolve, the onus is on brands to keep pace with marketplace shifts. So, when a major brand reassesses its way of doing business, it’s worth taking note. Adidas, the global sportswear brand, has recently done just that, sharing with…
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12 April
Strategies for training and developing shop floor staff
Effective training and development programmes for shop floor employees are essential for ensuring consistent service quality, as they foster employee engagement, and ultimately boost business success. Here are some key strategies to consider when it comes to training and developing your shop floor staff: Comprehensive onboarding The foundation of a…
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