All Opinion articles
Most recent first.
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OpinionâWalmartâs $1trn valuation shows retailers can make most of pace of tech changeâ
It can be dangerous to get carried away with share prices, but Walmartâs ascent is a testament to successful adaptation, believes George MacDonald
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OpinionâFormer Lidl boss looks like a good catch for the Co-opâ
With a background spanning value grocery to quick commerce, Ronny Gottschlich should bring valuable insights to the Co-op, believes George MacDonald
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OpinionâDemise of the retail Saturday job is more significant than it soundsâ
Is the retail industryâs longstanding reputation for fostering the careers of young people at risk of being lost, asks Charlotte Hardie
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OpinionâRising screentime concern presents retail opportunity for someâ
A possible social media ban on under-16s is symptomatic of wider concerns about time spent online. A shift away from âpeak screenâ may benefit some retailers, observes George MacDonald
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Opinion'What retail needs from the government in 2026'
From employment through to advertising and producer responsibility, this will be a year of regulatory change for retailers, observes BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson
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OpinionâAre we looking at the first GLP-1 festive season in the UK?â
While supermarkets sold millions of confectionery tubs and mince pies at Christmas, growth trajectories may be permanently changing as new behaviour takes hold observes Shore Capitalâs Clive Black
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OpinionâThere are powerful signs that the social media tidal wave is ebbingâ
Retailers have poured resources and expertise into social media, but the prime ministerâs announcement this week on a consultation over a ban for under-16s is another sign the mood is turning against such networks. What will happen if that route to customers closes, asks Charlotte Hardie
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OpinionâIn Primarkâs bleak midwinter, one guiding star gives hopeâ
Despite tough conditions, the UK was the standout performer as Primarkâs overseas business slumped. Applying lessons learned at home internationally should help the retailer recover, believes George MacDonald
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OpinionâOur hard-earned taxes are being misallocated on an epic scaleâ
Tech platform and ticket seller Trainlineâs share price performance raises questions about the impact of the government on business, argues Matt Truman
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OpinionâRetailâs 12 gifts of Christmas â and beyondâ
From keeping the cost of living down for customers to support for all sorts of good causes, retailersâ generosity has once again been unstinting this year. Christmas is the busiest time for retailers, but itâs also an appropriate moment to reflect on the industryâs invaluable role as a force for good.
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OpinionExplainer: What revaluation means for retailersâ business rates bills
The rateable values announced in last monthâs Budget represent the biggest shift in support for 30 years. They reveal structural tensions, but big retailers should benefit, observes tax specialist Ryanâs Alex Probyn
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OpinionâA cold Christmas looms for embattled Asdaâ
As grocers prepare for the busiest days of the year, the Christmas period for Asda is likely to mirror its poor performance in this weekâs Worldpanel data
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OpinionâFor the future of the industry, retail needs to look further ahead on leadership successionâ
Chief executives can churn fast and the need to fill a vacancy may come around more quickly than expected. If thereâs a dearth of talent, a business can soon unravel, warns Charlotte Hardie
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OpinionâYour customers are making decisions before they reach the aisle â are you there yet?â
Retailers who adapt to changes, such as how shoppers are discovering products, will be best positioned to win, believes Publicisâ Steve Ricketts
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OpinionâRetail is witnessing a resurgence in the in-person shopping experienceâ
Retailers are turning to experiential shopping to lure more customers to their locations, observes Alvarez & Marsalâs Erin Brookes
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OpinionâRetailâs AI revolution poses an existential questionâ
The rise of AI is fuelling the strategic reversal of a 25-year-old habit, driving a move away from outsourcing and back towards building powerful, in-house technology functions that can differentiate a business, observes AlixPartnersâ Brian Kalms
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OpinionâIf the government treats retail fairly, we can help drive the growth the UK economy so badly needsâ
While yesterdayâs Budget did something to take the pressure off consumers, UK retail director at Primark Kari Rodgers writes that more needs to be done by the government to help retail drive the growth it so badly craves.
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OpinionâDown about the Budget? Donât worry, retail, at least youâre getting an envoy!â
While todayâs Budget wasnât 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.
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OpinionâRetail can lead the revival of our high streets if we choose to act togetherâ
Anthony Houghton, group chief executive of Holland & Barrett writes that if retail truly wants to address the ever-growing issue of crime blighting the sector, businesses must come together to decide what kind of high streets they really want to build.
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OpinionâBlack Friday isnât just flawed, itâs self-sabotageâ
Black Friday doesnât drive incremental retail sales growth, all it does is disrupt demand patterns and redistribute spend, believes property consultancy Knight Frankâs Stephen Springham