All Opinion articles – Page 11
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Opinion
Currys people chief: ‘Closing our HQ makes us fit for the era of omnichannel colleagues’
After unveiling plans to swap its West London HQ for flexible office space, Currys chief people, communications and sustainability officer Paula Coughlan explains the thinking behind the move and how it sets the electricals giant up for a post-pandemic future.
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Opinion
‘A website is not enough for bricks-and-mortar retailers to call themselves multichannel’
A digital-first mindset is not simply about accelerating the growth of online, argues AlixPartners’ Brian Kalms
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Opinion
The big debate: Is Iceland right to roll back on its palm oil promise?
As the price of sunflower oil soared following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Iceland has reverted to the use of palm oil in some of its products – something the retailer has been resolutely against since 2018. Retail Week’s Rosie Shepard and George MacDonald debate whether that was the right decision.
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Opinion
‘What is the Web3 phenomenon – and how can retailers benefit?’
As an increasing number of major retailers and brands dip their toes into the metaverse, Web3 expert and Retail Week Live 2022 speaker Evelyn Mora maps out the opportunities for businesses to join the latest digital revolution
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Opinion
‘The tired old retail-is-detail playbook is obsolete’
Five fundamental and enduring disruptions evident in the US will impact retailers everywhere, argue Bain & Company London and San Francisco partners Jonathon Ringer and Aaron Cheris.
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Opinion
'From the pandemic into war – long-term disruption looks like retail’s new normal'
The Keynote: From the pandemic into war – long-term disruption looks like retail’s new normal
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Opinion
‘As Rowe hands over at M&S, at last it has permanent foundations for success’
As chief executive Steve Rowe prepares to leave the business, Marks & Spencer might finally be emerging from turnaround mode, writes George MacDonald.
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Opinion
‘Times of economic dislocation spawn disproportionate opportunities’
It may sound counterintuitive in an unpredictable trading environment but companies need to invest and innovate, argues True executive chair and founder Matt Truman.
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Opinion
‘Seismic shifts accelerated by Covid will redefine retail in years to come’
Technology will remain key to retail’s transition in a complex marketplace, believes Erin Brookes, managing director and leader of the European retail and consumer practice at Alvarez & Marsal.
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Opinion
‘As Lidl overtakes the Co-op, grocery’s established order could be set for a shake-up’
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine heaps further pressure on global supply chains and commodity prices, Aldi and Lidl could permanently shift UK grocery’s established order, writes Hugh Radojev.
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Opinion
‘Make no mistake – Amazon still has big ambitions in bricks and mortar’
Amazon might be calling time on its bookshops and 4-star stores, but rivals should not be fooled – the etail titan remains hell-bent on making its mark in bricks-and-mortar retail, warns George MacDonald.
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Opinion
‘John Lewis may have ditched Never Knowingly Undersold but it must keep service promise’
How many John Lewis customers took advantage of its Never Knowingly Undersold price promise last year?
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Opinion
Nigel Oddy: ‘Concerns for the planet are as prominent as cost for UK consumers’
The fashion industry has a responsibility to take sustainability seriously, writes New Look chief executive Nigel Oddy
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Opinion
‘UK retailers could follow US as ghost kitchens swoop into supermarkets’
Ghost kitchens are becoming an increasing part of the food retail landscape as grocers and restaurants compete for stomach share. Innovations in the US, from TikTok to Kroger, may inspire similar initiatives in the UK, says George MacDonald
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Opinion
‘Asda’s reaction to Jack Monroe reveals rise of a new style of influencer’
As the spiralling cost of living unsettles consumers – inflation now stands at a 30-year high according to this week’s ONS data – retailers’ value propositions are coming under the spotlight in new ways, sometimes in an unflattering light, from a new type of influencer.
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Opinion
‘Booming demand has spurred creation of more resale businesses’
The rising cost of living will power the growth of second-hand products and resale, maintains eBay UK general manager Murray Lambell.
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Opinion
‘When do we stop calling Amazon a retailer?’
Amazon’s varied and growing revenue streams mean that selling ‘stuff’ is increasingly incidental to the tech giant’s business proposition, Natalie Berg observes.
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Opinion
‘Amid all the turbulence, retail starts the year from a position of relative strength’
Christmas was good for many retailers, but to maintain share or increase growth in a volatile environment, it will be necessary to invest in differentiation, believes PwC industry leader for consumer markets Lisa Hooker
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Opinion
'Why Walmart’s InHome delivery scheme may be convenience retail’s final frontier'
Where Walmart goes, other retailers frequently follow and the latest foray by the US powerhouse takes it right into customers’ homes – specifically their kitchens.
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Opinion
Jo Whitfield: ‘Race to the bottom on price raises fears about sustainability of food production’
Lower prices for shoppers must not mean a squeeze on farming and suppliers, argues Co-op Food chief executive Jo Whitfield