As the New Year nears, retail bosses tell Retail Week about their resolutions for 2017.

New NotOnTheHighStreet boss Simon Belsham

Simon Belsham

In recent years there’s been much talk in retail about putting customers at the very heart of commercial decision-making.

For many businesses, this has manifested in improved customer service, more tailored and nuanced marketing, and better delivery propositions.

Looking ahead, the customer will play an ever-increasing role in product development too, be that through personalisation, customisation, or even at the design stage, in the co-creation of completely bespoke items.

Bringing our customers even closer to our partners to make this possible is a priority for us in 2017.

As to which products we expect to do well next year?

Well, our partners haven’t even designed many of them yet!

We know our customers want new and unique items when they shop with us, so rather than gamble on stock now, we’ll develop products in real time as customers’ tastes change and trends evolve.

A good example of this was Father’s Day this year – one of our bestsellers didn’t even exist three weeks prior!

Finally, while the changing political landscapes in both the US and Europe mean that uncertainties endure, I believe they will bring significant opportunities for brand Britain.

Heritage products and products designed and made in the UK will be among the winners in 2017.

  • Simon Belsham, chief executive, NotOnTheHighSteet.com