Opinion – Page 325
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OpinionWill Aldi retreat under its stone?
Aldi UK and Ireland managing director Paul Foley shocked the grocery world by stepping down this week. Will his departure mean Aldi returns to its secretive roots?
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OpinionHome comforts
There are new signs of bounce in the hard-pressed homewares and furniture market, on which the springs went more than a year ago.
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OpinionTories should not take VAT hike lightly
With the public finances in such a chaotic state it’s no wonder the Tories are reportedly considering increasing VAT to 20% if they come to power.
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OpinionDon’t become a closed shop
Those without a retail background still have plenty of nous to bring to the sector, says Neil Gillis.
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OpinionSwine flu crisis planning is in hand
The BRC’s been planning for a possible pandemic as long as London’s been preparing to host the 2012 Olympics.
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OpinionRetail surgery: Asking landlords for a rent holiday
I am considering approaching my landlord for help because I might not make my rent payment at the next quarter date. What are my options?
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OpinionRetail surgery: Using EPoS data to gain customer insight
We don’t have a loyalty scheme, but want to use our EPoS data to get some insight into our customers’ spending habits. What should we be looking at?
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OpinionWhat is Harrods’ secret?
Harrods has delivered a strong set of results in a difficult climate. What is its secret?
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OpinionThe right thing for M&S would be the wrong thing for high streets
The presence of an unmodernised Marks & Spencer store is a tell-tale sign of a high street which has seen better days.
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Opinion
Why Kensington High Street is not dead
Reports of the death of Kensington High Street are much exaggerated. It’s not even dying: just changing.
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OpinionEmbracing digital media could give Asda an edge
Asda will next week steam ahead of the rest of the big four grocers in the social networking arena. And the bold move may well help it give the grocer an edge.
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OpinionWhy retail leaders are hot property
By the time you read this issue, Simon Fox might have been announced as chief executive of ITV. Then again, the HMV chief executive might have decided to stay put. Fox’s phone has been going straight to voicemail this week as one of retail’s quiet men found himself thrust into ...
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OpinionIn celebration of stores’ worker bees
Ubi mel ibi apes is a classical adage for our age. Literally meaning “where there is honey there are bees”, it is a metaphor for the effort that lies behind success and the sweet reward for those who support it.
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OpinionRetail surgery: Breaching exclusivity or terminating a supplier contract
A supplier appears to be unstable but we are tied to an exclusive contract for a product. What are the implications if we breach exclusivity or just terminate?
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OpinionRetail surgery: Effective recruitment
I typically find that our store managers simply replace employees using the same contract and hours of work. How can I guide them to recruit more effectively?
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OpinionSector suffering a systems failure
Retail systems are now so complex they can make the basics impossible, says Simon Burke
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OpinionGap quick to respond to factory allegations
Gap should be lauded for its swift and thorough response to allegations of illegal dumping of harmful waste by a factory in Lesotho that makes jeans for the retailer.
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OpinionPoliticians fiddle as the internet burns cash
The European Commission wants to ask the audience to help it formulate its strategy for building a digital economy that thrives.
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OpinionLittle encouragement as vacancy rates soar
The Local Data Company’s report revealing that vacancy rates in England and Wales had increased from 4 per cent to 12 per cent grabbed a lot of headlines last week.
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OpinionChecking out B&Q
B&Q in Sutton has just entered the self-serve checkout age but can it work for DIY retailers?