Paul Smiddy
Paul Smiddy is a retail consultant.
OpinionA good result, but Swann can do better
WHSmith should be awarded nine out of 10 for margin management and cost control: the alchemy of generating a profits increase in another year of like-for-like sales declines.
OpinionArmed forces: A talent pool retailers shouldn’t ignore
How do you fancy recruiting from a talented but hugely under-appreciated pool of labour? 20,000 members of the armed forces leave each year and many fail to secure jobs worthy of their skills.
OpinionThe Hub of Waterstone’s troubles
Investors should ponder whether the main HMV board have shown the right level of interest in their book operation.
OpinionRetailing lessons from Formula One
It is a minor miracle. A Formula One Grand Prix team, based in the UK, with a largely UK workforce, has won the constructor’s championship for the second year running.
OpinionHas the hypermarket had its day?
Once upon a time, there was an era when the hypermarket format was exciting. Indeed, each hyper opening caused a frisson.
OpinionShops are 21st century tourist attractions
Governments and nations seem to think it is totemic to have their own airline. This attitude has slowed down the natural process of consolidation in what remains a very challenged industry.
OpinionIt’s worth playing the long game
Celebrating anniversaries underline to consumers that they are dealing with a company of substance, says Paul Smiddy
NewsWeakness of pound means pain lies ahead
Paul Smiddy: I take no solace from the official December and January sales figures. Demand will fall a lot further as unemployment spreads into the wider economy
OpinionRetail space is becoming a Waste Land
Two weeks ago this organ reported that 300 of the 815 Woolworths stores had “been secured or are under negotiation”.
- Opinion
Will a new rider alter Woolies’ course?
The going was far from good, but Sir Stuart made it over the hurdles to land his dream job of executive chairman at Marks & Spencer.
- Opinion
Be prepared for the long road ahead
In my papers, share prices “plunge” or “soar”. On my screens, they have a slightly more boring habit of ticking up or ticking down.
- Opinion
How can retailers keep everybody happy?
The world is short of agricultural land. There are an increasing number of mouths to feed. The emerging middle classes in developing countries are looking for badges of affluence, one of which is to forsake the vegetarian diets of their grandparents to demand more meat.
- Opinion
Nature’s way weeds out the weakest
I am not advocating that you start the day with a cold shower, but, as my complete ignorance about gardening evaporates slowly, I have become aware that a sustained dose of cold weather does your garden some good.