Insight & inspiration
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AnalysisTikTok Shop: three retailers nailing social commerce
Over 1.5 million UK businesses are now on the TikTok app, and the brand reports that the number of merchants joining its ecommerce platform is growing “rapidly”. We spoke to three social-savvy businesses that have made a success of it.
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AnalysisBlack Friday: Sales decline despite ‘buzz’ on UK high streets and marketplaces
Store footfall was down 1.6% across UK retail destinations while Barclaycard transaction volumes declined 0.6% year on year. In contrast, total gross sales for major marketplaces via CommerceHub increased by 18% on 2022
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AnalysisWill toys be top of the list this Christmas?
Toys and games were once the kings of Christmas. Before children had their eyes on the latest iPhone or tablet, on Christmas Eve their heads hit the pillow dreaming of Mr Frosty, Stretch Armstrong or Bop It!
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AnalysisRetail blasts autumn statement that ‘puts final nail in coffin for high street’
Despite chancellor Jeremy Hunt hailing the autumn statement as the “biggest business tax cut in modern British history,” the response from the retail sector has been uncharacteristically direct.
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AnalysisWarehouse wars: how the cost-of-living crisis has impacted retail supply chains
With shoppers holding on to their purse strings tighter than ever, Retail Week explores the impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on retailers’ supply chains.
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InterviewQ&A: Abbott Lyon chair Gareth Jones on the jewellery retailer’s unique proposition
Following the opening of Abbott Lyon’s debut pop-up store, chair Gareth Jones speaks to Retail Week about the meaning of affordable luxury, the retailer’s competitive advantage, expectations for the peak trading period and where stores fit into its future
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AnalysisWhat next for Hotel Chocolat after its sweet £534m deal with Mars?
Hotel Chocolat founder Angus Thirlwell says the surprise deal with Mars represents a “meeting of minds”, but after a torrid year what will the acquisition mean for the retailer?
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AnalysisIs buy now, pay later worth the risk to retailers?
As fashion giant Asos recently introduced restrictions on its buy now, pay later services in a bid to improve profitability, Retail Week explores if retailers are moving away from or leaning into pay later credit services, and what this means ahead of the festive season.
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AnalysisWhat might Avon’s first-ever UK store look like?
Ding dong, Avon’s coming! Cosmetics giant Avon announced this week that it will be opening its first-ever bricks-and-mortar store in the UK within the next two months. Retail Week turned to AI for a sneak peek.
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InterviewQ&A: Canopey founder on launching a verified sustainable marketplace
Canopey’s founder Thomas Panton speaks to Retail Week about the launch of its sustainable marketplace, the ways it is eliminating greenwashing and its plans for reaching a varied consumer and retailer audience.
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InterviewInterview: Sarah Boyd on bringing ‘Sephora magic’ to the UK beauty market
At first glance, Sephora’s office in the heart of London might look like any other in the city, but upon closer inspection, you’ll find signs that you’re on what the beauty community considers sacred ground.
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AnalysisGolden quarter: How retailers are preparing for another cash-strapped Christmas
With the macroeconomic environment looking gloomier than ever, we spoke to some of the UK’s biggest retailers to get their take on whether this year’s festive season will be feast or famine.
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InterviewQ&A: Superdrug’s ecommerce director on innovating loyalty
Superdrug marketing, ecommerce and customer director Matt Walburn speaks to Retail Week on spearheading changes in the loyalty scheme market and the journey since the launch of Superdrug Marketplace.
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AnalysisM&S seeks better bang for its buck on digital investment
Marks & Spencer reported that in the year ahead, “we expect to see a return of stronger online growth” – so where is it placing its bets for digital investment? And what does it want in return?
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VideoWatch: The retail Christmas advert round-up
No sooner had the pumpkins and Halloween costumes been removed from the shelves, than several retailers launched their Christmas campaigns.
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AnalysisSurvey: Where shoppers will spend and save this Christmas
Retail Week delves into the mind of the 2023 Christmas shopper − where will they spend, where are they saving money and what categories are most at risk
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InterviewInterview: Blank Street’s boss Ignacio Llado on perking up the UK high street
Blank Street’s managing director for the UK, Ignacio Llado, speaks to Retail Week about bringing fun back to coffee and challenging the status quo of the big chains
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AnalysisCan Asos boss really put the retailer back in fashion?
As Asos reported yet another trading period of deepening losses and declining revenue, Retail Week explores if boss José Antonio Ramos Calamonte can put the brand back in fashion
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AnalysisThe Range: The value variety chain bringing back Wilko
With news emerging that five Wilko stores will be brought back to high streets and retail parks by new owner The Range, Retail Week explores what the value variety retailer has been doing to cement its place as a staple in UK retail
