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.
![Why it works: [24]7’s live chat solution is based on big data and real-time analytics](https://www.retailtimes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/247-logo.png "Why it works: [24]7’s live chat solution is based on big data and real-time analytics"){kind=logo}
Mike Hughes, managing director for European operations at [24]7, explains how his company works with retailers to deliver a personalised live chat customer experience [24]7 has a rich heritage in working with retailers to deliver the right customer experience across
Reducing costs in favour of managing risk puts supply chain in jeopardy and procurement should be a boardroom topic, according to supply chain expert, Crimson & Co. A recent report from Source for consulting on professional procurement in mid-sized companies revealed why organisations should
The UK must increase its exports to avoid becoming an economic has been, says Tyrrells Crisps and Chase Vodka founder, William Chase. The UK used to export goods and services in line with its relative size in the world economy but no
Many FMCG manufacturers still haven’t grasped the importance of taking the initiative in the annual round of range reviews by the major retail multiples and are at risk of having their products de-listed, reduced in distribution or losing space on-shelf,
In his second column on Retail Times, Tristan Rogers, CEO of cloud-based technology provider, ConcretePlatform, explores the shortcomings of legacy retail IT systems and why Software-as-a-Service can be the ideal solution IT as an industry is Victorian. It is governed
Shopper marketing provides a means for retailers to share insight and work with suppliers to grow incremental revenues for both parties. However, achieving success can be challenging and often requires a change in approach. Sarah Atkins, managing director of customer
Four retail specialists give Retail Times their views on why the high street music retailer, HMV, has become the latest in a succession of retailers to fall into trouble following a difficult trading period and the challenge from online stores,
Jon Worley, director of customer interactions at payment solutions specialist, The Logic Group, predicts the key retail technology trends for 2013 2012 has been a tough year for the high street, with retailers struggling to drive sales and many high street
Poorly organised reverse logistics during the peak returns time in January can have a significant negative impact on the bottom line, claims leading end-to-end supply chain consultancy Crimson & Co. According to Laurie King, principal at Crimson & Co, the influx
FMCG suppliers must be able to offer the most effective insights into category strategies and actionable plans if they are to compete with top multiple retailers, according to Bridgethorne, a category development, shopper marketing and customer management specialist. “As the
Supply chains will continue to adapt to the struggling European economy in 2013, according to leading end-to-end supply chain consultancy Crimson & Co. Richard Powell, Crimson & Co managing director, said the poor economy of 2012 has changed the way the supply
Al Rose, VP retail and internet properties at TELUS International, a provider of contact centre and customer care solutions to global clients, explores the top trends poised to impact retail customer service in 2013 It has been an interesting year for
William Chase, founder of the award-winning Chase Vodka brand and the new Williams Great British Extra Dry Gin, has lambasted small and large distilleries for promoting factory-produced spirits as homemade and accused mass marketers of conning consumers. Chase, whose idea
Matt Clark, director at UK management consultancy, Boxwood, on the opportunities and obstacles to international retail expansion Many UK retailers have already expanded extensively overseas and, if you listen to the press and pay attention to conference speeches, this is
Steve Rothwell, CEO of digital coupon provider, Eagle Eye, tells Retail Times what lies in store for the retail and hospitality industries over the next 12 months Retail predictions: 1. Mobile will become the lynchpin of loyalty Many brands and service
Rakuten, the world’s third largest e-commerce marketplace and owner of UK marketplace Rakuten’s Play.com, considers six key trends that will fuel e-commerce growth in 2013: 1) Bringing a personal touch to loyalty Some things in retail haven’t changed; the secret
Danielle Pinnington, managing director at shopper research company, Shoppercentric, considers how squeezed household budgets will impact shopping, catering and gifting this Christmas Christmas is the big celebration of the year, the chance to get together with family, and put worries
David Ware, director of grocery at grocery market and shopper intelligence consultancy, SymphonyIRI Group, considers the impact of minimum alcohol pricing on deep price promotions The Government’s proposed minimum pricing for sales of alcohol continues to cause controversy today. Many
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to the Energy Secretary’s announcement today, calling on the Government to include local shops in plans to give customers fairer tariffs. In an energy select committee meeting, Ed Davey announced plans to
Chris Gates, director of retail at Hitachi Consulting UK, considers the trend to pop up stores and the retailer benefits and opportunities It has been reported one in six premises now stands empty across the UK, compared with just one in 20
Aligning promotion and production will be critical to ensure retailers’ festive season planning does not fall victim to the ‘golden quarter’ plights, claims Crimson & Co, a leading end-to-end supply chain consultancy. As the festive season creeps closer, organisations, especially those
Consumers hoping for early Christmas sales are likely to be disappointed this year, according to leading trade credit insurer Atradius. While early Christmas discounting to attract footfall has been a popular approach in recent years, Atradius predicts retailers will adopt
High street retailers must adapt to operating in a multi-channel environment in order to survive the current economic upheaval, according to Phil Duffy of global financial advisory and investment banking firm, Duff & Phelps. UK retail sales values grew last month boosted
Recovery is underway in the United States and the rest of the world, but the Chinese mainland’s economy could face difficulties over its investment-based model, according to Harvard University economist Lawrence Summers. In a recent interview with the Hong Kong
Visitor counting technology can provide the extra dimension in retail performance measurement, writes Neil Matthews, vice president at Checkpoint Systems Everyone that works in the retail industry knows just how competitive this environment is. High operating costs, rising consumer expectations
