Can your supply chain excel at both efficiency and responsiveness?
There is more pressure now than ever to build a supply chain that is as efficient and responsive as possible – but is it possible to achieve both?
Articles in category: Comment
The comment column is for retail professionals to have their say. Whether responding to published opinion, reacting to or challenging reports or commenting on retail trends and predictions this is where you can gauge sentiment on all sorts of retail focussed topics.
ParcelHero: are hard-pressed department stores finally getting hang of online?
April’s ONS retail statistics show overall sales down 0.3% against March, with High Street department stores sales shrinking 0.7%. But in a rare glimpse of hope, their online sales soared 12.4%
May’s resignation must be catalyst for change, says CBI
The CBI has responded to a speech by Theresa May, setting out a timetable for her departure as UK Prime Minister.
The revised Tobacco Products Directive – three steps to compliance
On the 20 May, the Tobacco Products Directive came into force; initially affecting the manufacture, distribution and sale of cigarettes and roll your own tobacco . Products will not be allowed into the market, if they are not uniquely serialised
Opies offer advice on how caterers can help tackle latest food trends
Two fifths of UK adults say that eating healthily is of high importance to them and 47% of consumers claim they are trying to reduce their fat intake therefore it is important that caterers think about introducing healthier ingredients into
How to brand at outdoor summer events
Summer festivals and outdoor events are an amazing opportunity to get your brand noticed and to have face-to-face interactions with customers that help them build a meaningful relationship with your brand.
How spending habits are impacting on the UK retail sector
The spring sunshine came as a pleasant surprise to British consumers last week, who were out in force and driving double-digit growth for pubs and restaurants nationwide.
So, you want to rival big players like Amazon? Here’s how, using SEO
Does your e-commerce website appear in Google search engine results? Are search engines driving sales to your website? If you do not have an online presence that is noticed by your target audience, how will you ever get ahead? Do
Why storytelling is important for brands
By Andrew Witkin, founder and president, StickerYou No matter what you’re selling, you should be making storytelling an important part of your brand. Stories are an ingrained part of who we are as human beings, something we have been doing
The unboxing experience: four tips to make it work for your brand
On the list of marketing priorities, unboxing often comes last. But it shouldn’t. The unboxing experience can be a powerful way to reach consumers and engage with them in a meaningful way, leaving a positive impression that they may share
Newton: the growing issue of food waste – and what we can do about it
Waste reduction charity WRAP reports that households throw away approximately 7.1m tonnes of food each year. A further 3.1m tonnes is thrown away having expired on shelves in stores or in the supply chain. Meanwhile, University of Edinburgh research claims
Five tips to create an effective digital marketing plan
With billions of people accessing the internet on a daily basis, digital marketing has become a necessity for businesses across the globe. How well you plan and execute your digital marketing strategy will directly affect the growth of
Fire alarms are lifesaving pieces of technology and a must-have for a hospitality or retail operator, says Call Systems Technology
The annual cost of fires in the UK is estimated by the Fire Sector Federation to be a staggering £9.1 billion. Shockingly, for the fire service, the cost of call outs is rising, and the greatest increases are a consequence
Growing Easter egg aisles reflect continuing fragmentation of UK shoppers, says Bridgethorne
With British consumers expected to spend in the region of £400 million on Easter eggs and Easter-related confectionery this year, the increasing choice of options available on supermarket shelves reflects the continuing fragmentation of UK shoppers and their needs.
Delivering brand loyalty is key, says logistics and fulfilment services specialist Cygnia
Keeping your customers coming back time and time again is crucial in securing the long-term sustainability of your business – but how can you ensure they are getting the same high-quality service when ordering online as they might expect in-store?
Referral: using the power of word of mouth to navigate today’s fickle consumer landscape and the rise of the conscious consumer
Brexit, global economic uncertainty, climate change, consumer unease with the impact retail is having on the planet. All and any of these factors can be said to be having an impact on the UK retail industry. Notably, following a damning
UK may drop its pants on tariffs, but the EU is unlikely to play ball, warns ParcelHero
The UK Government announced today it will scrap tariffs on most shipments coming into Britain following a no deal Brexit; and ruled out new checks and controls at the EU/UK Irish border in an attempt to reduce new costs, delays
Essential e-commerce insights for 2019
The retail landscape is constantly shifting. Whether it’s the disruption of e-commerce and customization, or the changing moods of consumers, nothing in retail stays the same for long. Because of this, it’s imperative to stop on occasion and take stock
Three critical steps to a high tech, agile supply chain
By Sid Holian, managing director of Bis Henderson Consulting, an operating division of Bis Henderson Group
Retailers should harness IoT to enhance bricks and mortar experience, says Wireless Sensors
It’s hard to find a cashier at the Amazon Go stores now open in Seattle and Chicago. It’s not because they’re all taking a break at once, it’s because they don’t exist. The fledgling store, with four
FMCG industry can profit from the personal touch, says IRI
Gone are the days of large-scale manufacturing and the adoption of a one-size-fits-all approach to retailing. The key to retail growth in the FMCG industry is personalisation. Possessing a more in-depth understanding of what, when and where consumers are buying,
FreshStop director pinpoints four key trends that will shape convenience retail in 2019
As convenience retail continues to grow as an industry sector, retailers must remain focused on the most significant trends that will see their businesses flourish, and in so doing, strengthen their standing in the ever-competitive retail environment.
Sustainability, profit friendly packaging and the benefits of AI: why 2019 is going to be a year of positive change for the supply chain
2019 is set to be a big one when it comes to change, and as Brexit approaches, the retail and logistics industry won’t be immune from the shake up. But just as political unrest and consumer demand has encapsulated 2018,
Digital transformation projects will continue to disrupt the customer experience in 2019, says Aspect Software
Customer experience expert provides predictions of changes to the contact centre and customer service landscape for the year ahead
Accurate forecasts are a must for retail transformers, says Menzies
It’s no secret that the retail sector has had a tough year. From a host of high-profile CVAs, to reports of weakening consumer confidence in the run up to Brexit, it is clear that retailers are finding trading conditions more
