All articles by Mark Faithfull
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AnalysisDoes size matter? How Frasers and Jigsaw are rethinking fashion flagships
Post-pandemic, a number of fashion chains have started to rethink their all-encompassing flagship outlets, opting instead for concise and more targeted stores, prioritising product focus and property diversity over scale. Others still believe that only size can deliver the wow factor
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AnalysisTalking Shop: Has Covid changed the layout and purpose of the store forever?
As retailers re-evaluate their store portfolios, an increasingly radical range of options and uses are being trialled by some of the UK’s biggest retail chains. In the first instalment of Retail Week’s examination of how Covid has changed the store, Mark Faithfull looks at some of the tests and pilots under way and how they might inform the next generation of stores.
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AnalysisIn pictures: What pedestrianisation inspiration can Oxford Street take from the world’s best high streets?
With on-off discussions about making Oxford Street partially or fully pedestrian seemingly endless, Retail Week looks at some of the international locations that have adopted people-first approaches and what it could mean for London’s West End.
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AnalysisAnalysis: How can retail respond to ‘The Great Resignation’?
As retail and hospitality get back to business, something seems to be missing – staff. Dubbed ‘The Great Resignation’ in the US, the UK is also being hit by workers who have had time to take stock over the pandemic and, in many cases, decided to change path.
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AnalysisAnalysis: What’s the best alternative to the broken business rates system?
Everyone seems to agree the UK’s outdated business rates are broken and its many detractors claim the system is crippling hopes of retail recovery post-lockdown. Yet there is less unanimity about finding a fairer alternative, as Mark Faithfull discovers.
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AnalysisAnalysis: How to fix the broken property model
With both landlords and retailers seemingly unhappy, what can be done to make the UK’s property model fit for purpose? Mark Faithfull reports.
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AnalysisAnalysis: The brands making a play for the high street
Brands have always eyed opportunities to get closer to the consumer and now a generation of names are taking their own stores.
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AnalysisAnalysis: Preparing warehousing for Brexit Britain
Amid the uncertainty of a post-Brexit agreement, retailers and logistics providers are second-guessing how supply chains will need to adapt.
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AnalysisAnalysis: Pureplays tone down tech for debut stores
Established retailers have bent over backwards to digitise stores to attract younger consumers, yet online retailers opening physical space have stepped back from tech. Mark Faithfull asks whether retail is going back to basics.
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AnalysisNRF: Day three – Stores and customer experience
Lines between tech, retail and experience are blurring at the New York show, finds Mark Faithfull reporting from the US.
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NewsNRF: Argos looks to pop-ups and contactless kiosks
The retailer’s digital and marketing chief reveals details at Retail’s Big Show of its hunt for small-format outlets.
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AnalysisNRF: Day two – power of data takes centre stage
Intel is investing $100m in emerging technology as it predicts that the power of tech will transform retail.
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NewsNRF: Sweaty Betty details US and online expansion
UK athleisure retailer sets its sight on US and online during first day of NRF’s retail show in the Big Apple.
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AnalysisNRF: Blog day one – the new breed of retailer
As the technology-themed expo and conference kicks off in New York, we find out what subjects are getting air time.
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AnalysisAnalysis: Spain re-emerging as major retail destination
The Spanish retail scene is bouncing back from the economic downturn and, as Christmas approaches, is firmly established as a retail destination.
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AnalysisAnalysis: Is supply chain speed a worthy retail investment?
Amazon, Google and eBay believe ultra-fast fulfilment is the Holy Grail of retail, while others doubt it is worth the investment.
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AnalysisAnalysis: Rise of 3PLs help retailers' grow national and cross-border sales
As multichannel retail increases across borders, 3PLs will become even more important in supporting international expansion.
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AnalysisAnalysis: Is it time for retail parks to be reinvented?
Game-changing innovations in the mall market have masked a lack of innovation in retail parks. Is the sector ripe for a leap forward?
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AnalysisAnalysis: How food offers are transforming retail destinations
Retail destinations are being transformed by new food and beverage outlets. Retail Week asks whether food really can serve up more retail sales.
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AnalysisAnalysis: How does England's World Cup rival Costa Rica measure up in the retail stakes?
As the England football team attempts to retain some pride in its final World Cup match against Costa Rica tonight, Retail Week looks at how its competition fares in the retail stakes.