Omnichannel
This coverage explores the evolution and execution of omnichannel strategies within the UK retail industry. Reporting highlights technology integration, customer experience innovations, store–online alignment, supply chain adjustments, and leadership decisions driving seamless retail operations. Designed for executives and managers, it provides analysis to support strategic planning and operational excellence across digital and physical retail channels.
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Jul- 2018 -12 JulyAdvice
The end of the high street as we know it?
A week doesn’t go by without another retailer hitting the headlines. M&S, Poundworld, Carphone Warehouse, Mothercare and House of Fraser have all recently announced store closures, rocking the already fragile high street. The dominance of online shopping has been cited by many as the reason for the closures, with…
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10 JulyAnalysis
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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Jun- 2018 -25 JuneAdvice
Three barriers to implementing a successful omnichannel solution
Customers value a consistent service across all platforms and channels. They want customer service agents to know who they are and what their history is with the retailer. Since retail is such a competitive sector that, to stand out, retailers must put customer care at the heart of everything they…
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21 JuneAdvice
What’s next for the Luxury Sector?
The luxury goods market is being shaken up like never before with the rise of new consumers and changing buying habits. This, combined with the late adoption of digital and technology means that luxury brands face more uncertainty than at any point in their history. To win in the new…
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18 JuneAdvice
Solving the age-old problem of returns
Returns, the ‘dirty’ word in retail, are a recurring nightmare for staff and customers alike. It’s something we can all relate to; as a consumer we dread the long lines, endless waiting, and seemingly annoyed sales staff. Whilst as a retailer, processing a mountain of returns can seem like a…
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5 JuneComment
The scale of retailers’ underpreparedness
Against the backdrop of compressed margins and relentless competition from the large retailer players such as Amazon, and with more than 45,000 retailers reporting to be in financial distress, it’s no exaggeration that the retail landscape is now a battle for survival – with omnichannel at the epicentre. We recently…
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May- 2018 -24 MayComment
Reinforce the mobile-first consumer mindset
A Q1 Global Commerce Review, which reveals a rapid increase in the use of smartphones for retail purchases in the UK found that Q1 2018 saw a 66% increase in smartphone purchase growth rate compared to Q4 2017, highlighting the increasing speed at which shoppers are adopting mobile as their…
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22 MayHigh Street
Tim Stacey named CEO of DFS
DFS, has announced that Ian Filby will be retiring as CEO to be succeeded by Tim Stacey, the current group chief operating officer (COO). Ian Filby will also step down from the board of directors on the 31 October 2018 following eight years at the helm of the furniture retailer.…
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17 MayAdvice
Why retailers should be using an omnichannel strategy to transform customer journeys
The basic principle of an omnichannel strategy is that retailers put customers (not platforms) at the centre of their customer communications. Whatever platform or channel the customers wants to use is just fine. The obvious benefit of this approach is that it creates a unified view of the customer. Customer…
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14 MayAdvice
GDPR: What does it mean for the future of retail?
For many retailers, getting to grips with the best methods of utilising customer data was no easy feat. Brands worked hard to unlock the potential of data to enhance the customer experience making it more unique and personalised. It appeared that many had cracked it too. From adapting their marketing…
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