Charlotte Hardie
Since taking the helm at Retail Week, Charlotte has continued the publication’s digital transformation, championing data-led reporting and strategic content that informs and empowers retail leaders throughout the sector.
Under her leadership,Retail Week has expanded its reach and influence, launching initiatives focused on innovation, sustainability and leadership within the sector. She also spearheaded the launch of its in-house content marketing agency Retail Week Connect, which creates campaigns that tackle critical issues facing retailers.
With a career spanning more than two decades in business journalism, Charlotte has become a prominent voice in the retail sector. She is passionate about supporting diversity in retail leadership and driving meaningful conversations about the future of the high street, digital transformation, and the wellbeing of the millions of people working in UK retail.
Contact info
- Tel:
- +44 (0)20 7611 0411
- Email:
- charlotte.hardie@retail-week.com
Opinion‘For the future of the industry, retail needs to look further ahead on leadership succession’
Chief executives can churn fast and the need to fill a vacancy may come around more quickly than expected. If there’s a dearth of talent, a business can soon unravel, warns Charlotte Hardie
Opinion‘Down about the Budget? Don’t worry, retail, at least you’re getting an envoy!’
While today’s Budget wasn’t all doom-and-gloom for the retail sector, the almost completely buried announcement that the government is looking to appoint a new retail tsar raises plenty of questions all on its own, writes Charlotte Hardie.
Opinion‘You’re their punchbag, for those few minutes’ – the horrific reality of shopworker abuse
As the industry’s busiest period gets into full swing, the Retail Trust’s Let’s Respect Retail campaign couldn’t be more timely, says Charlotte Hardie
Opinion‘Retail’s future health hinges on finding the right partners to solve industry challenges’
As retailers seek to transform their businesses and take advantage of new technology, more collaborative thinking is essential. That’s why Retail Week has launched Solutions Spotlight, explains Charlotte Hardie
Opinion‘My Inditex ordeal reflects a problem – modern retail burns with friction’
In a world of technology, data, rapid delivery and single views of stock, Charlotte Hardie fears retailers are in danger of forgetting about the no-brainer of customer service
Opinion‘Despite AI solutions revolutionising efficiency, retail will always be about people’
As the Fashion Retail Academy celebrates its 20th anniverary, Charlotte Hardie considers what the next 20 years could bring, particularly the impact of AI on the industry and its people
Opinion‘Retailers must continue to make noise about unsustainable cost burdens’
Government-imposed financial pressures are inflicting pain on the heart of the retail industry – its people, believes Charlotte Hardie
Opinion‘In an omnichannel world, online returns stances looks out of kilter with shopper behaviour’
Some people exploit the returns system but why should online customers be treated differently from in-store shoppers, asks Charlotte Hardie
Opinion‘Surge in weight loss wonder drugs has confused the future of consumption’
This week, grocery analysts Kantar signalled a potential link between the use of weight loss medication and a fall in grocery volumes. Charlotte Hardie believes that the drugs’ adoption could have profound implications for retailers
Opinion‘Online shopping is no longer exciting. Etailers will need to pedal harder to succeed’
Retail Week editor-in-chief Charlotte Hardie wonders whether the role that online purchasing plays in people’s lives has changed forever
Opinion‘In wake of the M&S attack, let’s keep talking about cyber risk, resilience and solutions’
Marks & Spencer boss Stuart Machin revealed this week how much he valued the support and advice of other bosses who had also been targeted by cyber criminals. Such attacks are now all too common now, so let’s ensure the issue remains high on retail’s agenda, says Retail Week editor-in-chief Charlotte Hardie
Opinion‘No growth strategy, tech investment or innovation can compensate for poor human interaction’
As the biggest private sector employer in the UK, retailers should be applauded for their stellar efforts in making retail a great place to work and build your career, says Retail Week editor-in-chief Charlotte Hardie.
Opinion‘Backpedaling on diversity and inclusion would be a huge mistake’
As International Women’s Day is marked this week, commitment to diversity and inclusion is on the wane among some big-name businesses. But less diverse companies will ultimately be less successful, argues Retail Week editor-in-chief Charlotte Hardie
Opinion‘When it comes to Gen Z, businesses need to work with, not against, the zeitgeist’
The constant drip-feeding of exasperation-loaded Gen Z column inches detract businesses from keeping pace, argues Retail Week editor-in-chief Charlotte Hardie
Opinion‘As they walk a tightrope, retailers wonder how Reeves’ vision for growth applies to them’
Amid a round of retail job cuts from big industry names, the chancellor needs to offer the industry a big olive branch. Action on business rates would be a good place to start, says Retail Week editor-in-chief Charlotte Hardie
Opinion‘At Christmas most people shop with their hearts and if they can spend, they will’
Dire predictions about retail’s Christmas performance are almost as traditional as holly and mistletoe, but rarely come true, says Charlotte Hardie
Opinion‘Perhaps there’s something retailers should admire in Jaguar’s rebrand’
Ensuring continued brand relevance relies on the drive and vision of people willing to take risks. You only need to look at the once much-loved retail brands that haven’t survived to be reminded of that, argues Charlotte Hardie
Opinion‘Entire retail industry is scratching its head to find a way to make the numbers work post-Budget’
Unexpected extra costs imposed in the recent Budget have left retailers reeling in shock. They will need all their legendary resilience to leap the hurdles placed in their way by the government, warns Charlotte Hardie
Opinion‘Last Sunday my daughter and I watched a shoplifter headbutt a store worker outside Sainsbury’s’
Retailers need to seek fresh ways to ensure a genuine understanding of the unacceptable pressure that store colleagues face, says Charlotte Hardie
Opinion‘We need to consider why Shein is a disruptor that delivers more than £1bn in annual UK sales’
Online fashion powerhouse Shein’s success raises uncomfortable questions about consumption, believes Charlotte Hardie