Opinion – Page 4
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Opinion‘Parking charge rises are ripping the heart out of my city centre’
York is one of the UK’s most popular retail and visitor destinations but parking prices have been ratcheted up so much that sales are sliding. A rethink is needed, argues York High Street Forum chair and retailer Phil Pinder
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Opinion‘Unless Amazon wants to remain a bit-part player in UK grocery, an acquisition would be the likely route’
Amazon’s UK grocery presence amounts to a pimple on an elephant’s backside so, if it wants to grow, a deal would be the obvious option, believes Shore Capital’s Clive Black
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OpinionExplainer: how business rates may change and what it means for retail
As the government considers business rates reform, BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson looks at the implications – and urges retailers to make their voices heard
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Opinion‘As retailers adopt locked-door policies, it’s time to hold government to account on cutting crime’
Locking store doors instead of throwing them open is a shocking indictment of the crime challenge retailers face, says George MacDonald
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Opinion‘Reuse is a solution that addresses Trump tariffs as well as sustainability’
In Plastic Free July, activist and author Amy Larkin urges retailers to think bigger than bags, bans and increasing recycled content
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Opinion‘If cyber criminals strike, you’d better know how to use pen and paper’
There was great news today as suspects were arrested over cyber attacks on retailers. But there’s no doubt such attacks will continue and there were practical cyber crime takeaways for retailers from this week’s select committee hearing, where M&S directors shared their experience
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OpinionBoots boss: ‘Providing more healthcare on high streets can help keep them healthy too’
Boots managing director Anthony Hemmerdinger writes exclusively for Retail Week on why the government’s new 10-year plan for the NHS could help breathe new life into towns and city centres
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Opinion‘It’s time for government to make some good choices for retail’
Retail didn’t feature in the government’s industrial strategy but there is plenty that could be done to help the industry remain a strong foundation of the economy, argues BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson
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Opinion‘In an omnichannel world, online returns stances looks out of kilter with shopper behaviour’
Some people exploit the returns system but why should online customers be treated differently from in-store shoppers, asks Charlotte Hardie
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Opinion‘The momentum back towards office working will be hard to stop’
Predictions of an inexorable shift towards more flexible working seem mistaken but getting the balance right still requires fine judgement, believes headhunter Tony Gregg
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Opinion‘After Amazon lovefest, can the government now show all of retail more affection?’
Amazon’s big UK investment announcement was welcome but it’s not the only retailer backing Britain. After the punishing autumn Budget, the industry’s contribution should be better recognised in Westminster, says Retail Week executive editor George MacDonald
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Opinion‘Surge in weight loss wonder drugs has confused the future of consumption’
This week, grocery analysts Kantar signalled a potential link between the use of weight loss medication and a fall in grocery volumes. Charlotte Hardie believes that the drugs’ adoption could have profound implications for retailers
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Opinion‘Online shopping is no longer exciting. Etailers will need to pedal harder to succeed’
Retail Week editor-in-chief Charlotte Hardie wonders whether the role that online purchasing plays in people’s lives has changed forever
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Opinion‘Oxford Street pedestrianisation should herald an era of more shopping and less schlepping’
Cutting traffic from the famous shopping street would be good news but more is needed to ensure it retains an ability to draw the crowds in the long term, believes Retail Week executive editor George MacDonald
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Opinion‘A new way to shop is integrating the best of physical and online worlds’
The arrival of ‘discovery commerce’ means what people love about going to the shops can be replicated online, believes Accenture Song’s Sarah Lambert
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Opinion‘Why all retail staff must now be offered training against insults, threats and attacks’
As a law mandating retailers to train staff on how to protect themselves against abuse takes effect in New York, Retail Trust chief executive Chris Brook-Carter says UK retailers should take advantage of training that enables employees here to feel safer at work
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Opinion‘Only as good as next day’s trade? That mindset risks putting short-term tactics above long-term strategy’
While many believe the retail and consumer sector is challenged, True’s Matt Truman believes that, with patience, significant investor gains can be made
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Opinion‘Gone for £1, but Poundland could still coin it in again’
It’s been sold for a quid and restructuring looms, but Poundland’s value for money proposition can still profitably draw in shoppers if it refocuses on traditional strengths, argues Retail Week executive editor George MacDonald
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Opinion‘Retail 100 shows how much leadership has changed in 20 years’
As we celebrate the most influential, inspiring and impressive leaders impacting retail for the 20th year, Retail Week executive editor George MacDonald introduces this year’s list and shares his thoughts on how leadership has changed
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Opinion‘Is social commerce retail’s next-gen sales enabler or just another trend trap?’
Customers crave connection. A relationship with brands they love, trust and actively advocate for in social spaces. But can social commerce really deliver for those willing to dive headlong into this digital ecosystem? And is it even right for your brand?