Retail Practice to open 'laboratory' in Leamington

Spectators turn players next month, when industry consultancy The Retail Practice opens a store of its own - the first of 20 planned over the next four years.

But the point of the venture is not simply to disprove the notion held by some chief executives that consultants are long on grand ideas, but short on practical know-how.

Although the objective is profitability in year one, the fledgling Venus & Mars chain will be a 'laboratory', where retailers can see ideas in action, and learn lessons from its successes and failures.

Former chief executive of Jaeger and a founder of The Retail Practice, Rebecca Cotterell, said Venus & Mars would enable people to 'accessorize their lives'.

Dedicated areas will be constructed around themes such as for him, for her, boudoir and pets.

The first shop, at 3,000 sq ft (280 sq m), will open at Leamington Spa on August 21. The business has received funding of£350,000 from Barclays and The Retail Practice.