RetailEXPO 2019: Unlock a bright future in retail
What’s next in retail? For those in search of answers, the RetailEXPO show in London is just the place to experience all the trending, ground-breaking ideas of the future. Practical solutions to the challenges of today and tomorrow are at the heart of this much-anticipated show. RetailEXPO is organised by Reed Exhibitions, and offers a …
10 not very helpful technology trends for retailers
Here is what Gartner predicts are the top 10 technology trends. I’m not saying I disagree, but it is further evidence that everyone wants to talk about the future, because it is safer and more seductive than talking about the present. This is not helpful for retailers, because there are some fundamental challenges that …
Mobile technology in-store: Doing what exactly?
Mobile technology brings a new dimension to in-store experiences. It’s on the radar as an investment priority for most forward-looking retail companies, and certainly in China the scope of customers using their smart phones in-store to research, interact and pay is huge. Meanwhile leading retailers from Apple to John Lewis are providing store employees with …
Guardians of the galaxy : who’s your brand hero?
Ever wondered why a business can go from the most popular to forgotten in less than a year? Consider a brand that you are probably thinking of right now, and wonder why they started by delivering a seamless customer experience, but then ended up by not only screwing up your …
New York store innovations: The good, the bad and the underwhelming
By Jake Knowles, Retail Consultant, BJSS While it’s true that online sales are growing faster than bricks and mortar, it has become more apparent that much of ecommerce is unprofitable and that truly scaling pure-play is nigh on impossible. In an ironic twist, many digitally-native brands which had previously raised hundreds of millions on the …
Welcome to Heyshop – the store designed by data
What would a store look like if it was designed by data? Heyshop in Shanghai gives us a pretty good idea. What’s interesting about this design concept is its flexibility. Over time data can shape how the unit looks, how it operates, and even what it sells. Like many online retailers moving into physical retailing, …
What we can all learn from Barbie
Opinions about everything seem polarised these days, otherwise how do you get so many dictators running countries, or Brexit, or Trump, I could go on, but it’s too painful. We tell each other we need to have a debate about stuff, but never actually do because freedom of speech and freedom of expression, while …
World Book Day: Retailers rubbing Aladdin’s lamp
By Rhena Bunwaree Looking back at the story of the high street, bookshops have played a colourful role, despite the changes wrought by the arrival of the Web. They still have influence, and World Book Day is helping our booksellers inspire the next generation of readers. The event – falling on Thursday 7th March this …
Why data-hungry fashion retailers are leading the pack
Retailers want to give apparel shoppers everything — style, quality, convenience, in-store experiences, cross-channel continuity, newness, and great prices. To harmonise across multiple channels, leading fashion players are offering innovative business models, and making use of granular customer insights as a source of differentiation. Trim off uncertainty In the competitive global apparel market — currently …
Why there’s still a place for brick and mortar stores in a brand’s repertoire
2018 was a year when multiple high street retailers including House of Fraser, New Look, M&S, Next and Debenhams all axed high street stores. Meanwhile, other brands such as Paperchase are seeking advice on whether to reduce high street real estate during these challenges times. This is no surprise when the UK high street experienced its worst …