High street resurgence begins as non-essential retail reopens
David Hannah, principal consultant at Cornerstone Tax, discusses this important milestone for British businesses
Articles in category: Opinion Time
Opinion time is the voice of retailers & retail industry figures, find out what they have to say here on Retail Times
How to lose customer loyalty before it’s even begun
Retailers must not destroy customer loyalty by offering a poor fulfilment experience, says Tobias Buxhoidt, founder and CEO of parcelLab
How retailers can ensure frictionless trade despite Brexit paperwork boom
Despite the promises, both anecdotal and data-backed evidence suggests that the UK’s transition out of the European Union has not been as smoothed as hoped. Official government figures state that exports of goods to the EU fell by 40% in
Large stores need to find new ways to connect with modern consumers, says senior lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University
By Dr Amna Khan, senior lecturer in Consumer Behaviour and Retailing at Manchester Metropolitan University Last month the popular department store John Lewis announced that it will not reopen eight of its stores once the UK’s COVID-19 lockdown restrictions ease.
Bringing dark stores into the light: OneStock highlights new retailer opportunity
As stores reopen, what's the future for dark stores and how will their role change, asks Romulus Grigoras, founder and CEO of OneStock?
Last mile limbo: why retailers need to wake up to the post-purchase opportunity
With the demand for e-commerce growing exponentially, the pandemic has thrown the customer experience online into the spotlight. Retailers have work to do. And if you’re not sure where to look, the 'last mile' is flashing red.
Adatis: real time data underpins retail success with unpredictable shoppers
We live in unprecedented times and for retailers this challenging environment throws a new curve ball each week. Shopper behaviour is not easy to predict in normal circumstances and Covid-19 has exacerbated this challenge. This can, for example, be seen
The new high street: navigating tomorrow’s retail landscape with tech
As the retail sector prepares to reopen after Easter, UK shops are pulling out all the stops to persuade Britons to venture out to their local high streets and favourite stores. People are understandably cautious about returning to public spaces
How the rise in e-commerce has made delivery drivers the new front of house
When the pandemic rewrote the rules of everyday life, online retail became a lifeline for consumers and businesses alike. But coronavirus did more than increase the volume of online sales: it changed our relationship to e-commerce and reshaped the entire
In race to remain relevant, retailers need to get smart with data, says Microsoft UK
By Liz Leigh Bowler, Dynamics 365 senior product manager at Microsoft UK 2020 saw the retail industry change at an unprecedented pace. As shops moved online, supply chains were disrupted, consumer behaviour shifted, and the sector was forced to pivot
Data that delivers: the potential for fashion brands and retailers to tap into powerful data on the path to sustainability
A decade ago, sustainability was a cause championed by a visionary minority in fashion. Now, a better understanding of fashion’s environmental footprint and growing consumer demand for sustainable apparel means this is an issue for all brands and retailers, and
Charting the rise of home bakery businesses
Have you turned your hand to baking during lockdown? From basic banana breads to tasty care packages for loved ones, the rise of our new favourite hobby led to nationwide ingredient shortages last year and shows no sign of slowing.
Can a mix of experiential and instant gratification save Britain’s high streets?
Britain has famously been called a “a nation of shop keepers,” although whether it was Napoleon Bonaparte who coined the phrase, we don’t know for sure. It does, however, show that for hundreds of years, retailing has been key to
In my opinion: top hybrid retail features that retailers need to know in 2021
By Nils Zündorf, Amazon expert and managing director of the largest European Amazon agency, factor-a The pandemic’s effects on customer behaviour in 2020 lead to significant changes in the e-commerce world. With increases in online sales of over 30% compared to
Why it works: how retailers are turning to body-worn cameras to protect their staff
The lockdown is almost over; across the UK non-essential retailers are finally able to prepare for what they hope will be a permanent reopening. But with various Covid-19 restrictions likely to remain in place for some time, there’s a lingering
It’ll be alright on the night: IBM futurist offers top tips for the reopening of non-essential retail
They haven’t seen a customer for months, and if reports are to be believed, it’s likely that other, unwanted visitors have likely moved in.
Three questions you should ask your supply chain partner
The supply chain can be the strongest or the weakest link in any business operation. When it comes to managing a complex system that involves many contributors, getting it right is not always easy. That’s why it’s vital to work
Lidl and Aldi – location, location, location
The demise of the high street and the evolution that part of retail is currently experiencing is extremely well documented. But one area that is not so well covered is the rise of Lidl & Aldi and their move towards
Retail: re-thinking the way we shop
Retail is changing, and it’s safe to say that it’s never going to be the same again. Although many people are shopping online more so than ever before, the demand for high street stores is still there. What retail establishments
Direct to Consumer logistics: How retailers can get it right
Global e-commerce platform Kooomo shares its top tips for retailers looking to better manage their logistics when it comes to Direct to Consumer e-commerce
FDF responds to government’s latest border announcement
Responding to the government's latest border announcement, Ian Wright CBE, FDF chief Eexecutive, said: “The FDF welcomes this sensible and pragmatic step to ensure that food and drink continues to flow, and allows manufacturers access to the inputs and ingredients
Collaboration key to farmers making the most of retail boom, says NFU Mutual
Joining forces with likeminded businesses will be key to success, says a retail expert at NFU Mutual.
Fashion looks to sustainability and beyond
Sustainability is a competitive imperative for fashion brands, says Luca Tonello, sales director at DedaGroup Stealth The pressure on brands to demonstrate sustainability has intensified during the Covid crisis and there may never be a return to the old normal. So,
KPMG: Budget offers temporary relief for retailers but lacks consumer confidence initiatives
Commenting on announcements made by the Chancellor in his Budget, Paul Martin, UK head of retail at KPMG, said: "Measures announced today by the Chancellor recognise the devastating impact that the pandemic has had on the High Street and go
Food and drink manufacturers will welcome today’s Budget, says FDF
Commenting on the Chancellor’s Budget announcement, the FDF's chief executive, Ian Wright CBE, said: “Food and drink manufacturers will welcome today’s Budget. The Chancellor’s announcement struck the right balance between supporting recovery and acknowledging the difficult choices that have to
