Opinion
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Opinion‘Gone for £1, but Poundland could still coin it in again’
It’s been sold for a quid and restructuring looms, but Poundland’s value for money proposition can still profitably draw in shoppers if it refocuses on traditional strengths, argues Retail Week executive editor George MacDonald
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Opinion‘Retail 100 shows how much leadership has changed in 20 years’
As we celebrate the most influential, inspiring and impressive leaders impacting retail for the 20th year, Retail Week executive editor George MacDonald introduces this year’s list and shares his thoughts on how leadership has changed
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Opinion‘Is social commerce retail’s next-gen sales enabler or just another trend trap?’
Customers crave connection. A relationship with brands they love, trust and actively advocate for in social spaces. But can social commerce really deliver for those willing to dive headlong into this digital ecosystem? And is it even right for your brand?
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Opinion‘The fastest-growing retailers show us the power of stores’
Regardless of whether they sold yoga leggings or sweets, the retailers that are growing fast have invested in their stores
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Opinion‘Skims’ arrival will be a footfall driver for both domestic and international shoppers’
As Kim Kardashian’s Skims prepares to open its first London store next year, The Crown Estate retail leasing director says the debut epitomises how Regent Street plays a part in energising growth in the West End and beyond
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Opinion‘If you’re not sharing shopper data with brands, rethink your retail media strategy’
Retailers, brands and customers all win when shoppers’ insight is shared, argues Publicis chief commerce officer Steve Ricketts
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Opinion‘In wake of the M&S attack, let’s keep talking about cyber risk, resilience and solutions’
Marks & Spencer boss Stuart Machin revealed this week how much he valued the support and advice of other bosses who had also been targeted by cyber criminals. Such attacks are now all too common now, so let’s ensure the issue remains high on retail’s agenda, says Retail Week editor-in-chief Charlotte Hardie
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Opinion‘I visited Sephora’s new Liverpool store and I finally get the hype’
A few weeks ago, I received an invitation to attend the VIP launch of Sephora’s eighth UK store in Liverpool.
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Opinion‘While some will strike it rich, not all will be lucky in retail media gold rush’
As retailers rush to establish themselves as retail media players, the most successful companies have shown it takes serious investment and data sophistication, observes George MacDonald
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Opinion‘No growth strategy, tech investment or innovation can compensate for poor human interaction’
As the biggest private sector employer in the UK, retailers should be applauded for their stellar efforts in making retail a great place to work and build your career, says Retail Week editor-in-chief Charlotte Hardie.
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Opinion‘AI without good data is like a car without fuel’
The future of AI won’t be won by those chasing the latest model, it will be won by those who know how to wield data wisely, advises Dunnhumby’s chief data and science officer Sandra Stanley
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Opinion‘Stores may mitigate M&S’ cyber disruption, but shoppers’ omnichannel expectations bring risk’
About a third of M&S’ clothing sales are online and shoppers are unlikely simply to switch to in-store purchasing as a cyber incident continues, believes Retail Week executive editor George MacDonald
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Opinion‘Hoping for a retail leadership role? Here are some things you should know’
To understand the DNA of a successful chief executive it pays to listen to a wide range of voices, and getting to the top today takes more than personal ambition. Headhunter Spencer Stuart’s Sally Elliott shares some observations for those keen to make the grade
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Opinion‘Will UK consumer confidence follow in the same direction as the US?’
Consumers are concerned about their finances and geopolitics. PwC retail specialist Lisa Hooker considers whether the UK may nevertheless prove resilient
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Opinion‘After M&S’ cyber attack, these are the security questions retailers must ask themselves’
It’s a question of when, not if, there are more attempts to breach retailers’ cybersecurity. AlixPartners experts Brian Kalms and Edd Hardy look at how businesses can best protect themselves
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Opinion‘Can a new entrant controlled by a global giant disrupt UK grocery?’
The soft launch of Joybuy represents a play by Chinese powerhouse JD.com to snap up share of the food retail market, but established grocers won’t be quaking in their boots just yet, says George MacDonald
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Opinion‘De minimis advantage – the elephant in the room for Shein, pre-IPO?’
UK retailers would benefit from the abolition of de minimis rules, which have given Shein’s business model an advantage, believes fashion analyst Maureen Hinton
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Opinion‘This grocery ‘price war’ is less battle, more ballet’
The price war narrative misses the mark. What’s actually happening is a repositioning from blunt price matching to smart price signalling, observes OC&C’s Matt Coode
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Opinion‘Job security jitters may rise — and constrain consumer spend’
Consumer sentiment has been helped by a strong labour market, but nervousness on the jobs front means weak demand for discretionary goods may build, cautions Shore Capital director Clive Black
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Opinion‘Why do some retail brands endure while others fade away?’
Staying relevant comes down to balancing core values with innovation, believes headhunter Clarity’s managing partner Fran Minogue