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- 2018 -11 July
Has Sports Direct entrepreneur Mike Ashley made a naming faux pas?
The founder of Sports Direct, Mike Ashley, is the latest business owner to attract unwanted attention from US retail giant, TK Maxx, over the choice of a new brand name. Should he have seen it coming? The dispute centres on the use of the name, Brand Max, as the brand…
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10 July
The advantage of customer intelligence and what retailers can learn from House of Fraser
Another day, another high street stalwart closing some of its doors. With a deal now struck with creditors, House of Fraser’s plan to cut half of its brick-and-mortar stores is going ahead, making it the latest to fall prey to increasing pressure on our town centres. In light of this…
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6 July
How retailers can avoid a red card this World Cup
Without question a busy retail period is hugely profitable for businesses. In particular, national and international events can present retailers with a number of significant business opportunities such as increased customer engagement, creating jobs for store associates and opportunities to drive sales at an exponential rate. Major sporting events in…
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4 July
A look-back at the first half of 2018 in retail
Over the past six months, we’ve seen high street stalwarts such as M&S, New Look, and most recently House of Fraser announce significant structural changes. A number of big-name retailers have fallen into administration, succumbing to the pressure of changing consumer spending and shopping habits. These retail struggles come against…
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4 July
Designing the perfect retail space
Retail unit secured, opening date pencilled in. It’s time to think about how you’re going to design and arrange your shop ahead of the big opening day – and it turns out there’s a lot to consider. The design of a retail space will form part of the wider retail…
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3 July
The five key skills you need for a successful merger
The proposed £12bn merger of supermarket giants Sainsbury’s and Asda is arguably a watershed moment for the retail and grocery sector, with the potential to kickstart widespread market consolidation. As both leadership teams will know, delivering a successful merger is far from straightforward and having the right skills onboard is…
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2 July
Why technology is the key to brand loyalty on the changing high street
Today’s newspapers are awash with daily stories of retailers having to transform their business models from yesteryear to stay afloat as our high streets evolve and customer habits and expectations change. Recent articles discussing the fate of Mothercare, Marks & Spencer and House of Fraser are just a few. No…
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Jun- 2018 -29 June
Could ‘good cost, bad cost’ rescue the UK high street?
A series of high-profile CVAs and administrations in recent months are a powerful reminder of the tough conditions currently facing the UK high street. The fall in the value of the pound post-Brexit, combined with squeezed consumer spending and recent hikes in business rates have brought many retailers to breaking…
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28 June
How to build your own retail empire
It takes a certain type of person to be a successful retail entrepreneur, with the passion and determination to make a mark in the sector they love, taking the lows with the highs. However, building up one idea and then moving onto the next does carry some risks and whilst…
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27 June
The great retail data divide
Retailers have been at the forefront of tech innovation for more than 10 years. From the ecommerce boom and mobile shopping, to AI customer service and shoppable posts on Instagram, retailers haven’t been afraid to innovate. The marketplace is now entering its next chapter of transformation, but to survive, successful…
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