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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Apr- 2024 -8 April
Navigating the Gen Z Shift in Retail
The retail sector has been hit by a shortage of talent and declining employee motivation over the last few years, but change is coming. By the year 2025, Gen Z will account for 27% of all employees and with that comes a different outlook. This generational shift presents both a…
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Mar- 2024 -20 March
How can the physical retail sector win its battle to survive?
It is well known that the high street is battling for survival. Insolvency statistics released this month show a 17% increase in company insolvencies compared to this month last year, with the retail sector particularly badly hit. With the closure of many Body Shop stores already confirmed this year, and…
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18 March
What your business needs to know about Google Consent Mode V2
The European Digital Markets Act (DMA) came into force this week, marking an unprecedented milestone in the journey towards greater user privacy and protection. It places platforms such as Google in the role of ‘gatekeepers’, making them responsible for collecting EU users’ consent for online cookie tracking. It also places…
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15 March
Things to consider for your next pricing strategy
Effective pricing not only attracts customers, but also maximises profits and ensures sustainability in a competitive market. As retailers navigate through the complexities of consumer behaviour, market trends and technological advancements, adopting the right pricing strategies becomes imperative. Here are some of the best ways to tackle your retail pricing…
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Feb- 2024 -29 February
The power of User-Generated Content: A guide for retailers
User-generated content (UGC) refers to any content created by customers or users of a product or service. It can include customer reviews, testimonials, social media posts, images, videos, blog posts, and more. UGC provides an authentic and unbiased perspective on your brand, making it a valuable asset for retailers. The…
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20 February
New season, new start – what’s next for the retail sector
As retailers look to unveil the new products of the season, there is an opportunity to start afresh – and consider how best to evolve operations to meet the demands of an ever-evolving breed of customers. While this is no small undertaking, it does provide a real opportunity to enhance…
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9 February
Five lessons from the demise of The Body Shop
In the face of recent news that The Body Shop’s UK operations are preparing to enter administration, a reflection on the missteps leading to this situation offers valuable lessons for the broader retail industry. The iconic brand, founded on ethical principles and sustainability, now finds itself at a crossroads, underscoring…
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Jan- 2024 -24 January
A retailer’s guide to navigating economic downturns
1. Analyse and adjust inventory Start by analysing your inventory. Identify slow-moving or non-essential products and consider reducing their quantities. Focus on essential items that customers are likely to continue purchasing even during tough times. Be cautious about overstocking to avoid tying up capital in excess inventory. 2. Enhance cost…
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23 January
Sustainable packaging and e-commerce: what more can be done?
The Thanksgiving weekend of 2023, including Cyber Monday, saw $38 billion in online sales in the US, while e-commerce in the UK is forecast to exceed 38% of all retail sales by 2025. That’s an awful lot of packages being delivered to homes. Brands that sell a lot (or all)…
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23 January
A guide to integrating blockchain technology in retail
1. Supply Chain Transparency and Traceability Blockchain’s ability to create an immutable ledger of transactions makes it ideal for tracking the movement of products through the supply chain. Retailers can use blockchain to record every step of a product’s journey, from manufacturing to delivery. This transparency helps verify the authenticity…
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