The Uptick: From New Jersey to Dorset, retail dreams big

This month we’ll be learning more about H&M’s new chief executive Helena Helmersson; hearing from Lush co-founder Mark Constantine about bird-watching, Greta Thunberg and how to start an ethical cosmetics revolution; taking a look at some of the tech trends that are tipped to take off in 2020; and getting Iceland boss Richard Walker’s two cents on why sustainability needs to go beyond a middle-class concern if it is to have real impact.

Big ideas

We kicked off the new year with a visit to the Big Apple to see the audacious $5bn American Dream shopping destination (we shouldn’t call it a mall, apparently).

Spanning 3 million sq ft and boasting an indoor ski and snowboard park, an 8.5-acre water park with over 40 water slides, an ice rink and the largest indoor theme park in the western hemisphere, developers of the site are urging pundits to think about the time they will spend at the site in days, not hours.

The ambition of this site is unparalleled – but with empty retail lots, a long and winding road to the site opening and public transport links that leave much to be desired, does the venture represent the renaissance of destination retail or a costly gamble? Read our analysis to find out more.

Over in China, JD.com is taking on experiential retail on a smaller scale, but it could give us a glimpse into how we will interact with shops in the future.

The Chinese ecommerce titan’s Seven Fun has been designed to provide an antidote for what the business describes as shoppers SOLOMOME (a linguistically ambitious combination of social, local, mobile and personalised) shopping needs, and is aimed at working professionals in primary Chinese cities. It sells products ranging from standard grocery fare to cuisine from 12 different in-store eateries. You can have a look at the store here.

With 2020 in full swing, we asked what the tech trends are that will change how people shop and retailers operate in 2020. This year, we take a look at the likelihood that micro-fulfilment, urban production and remanufacturing will hit the retail mainstream. Have a read of our predictions.

Forging a path

While there have already some been many notable departures from retail so far this year, from Sainsbury’s Mike Coupe to John Lewis’ Paula Nickolds, January was also a month of exciting new appointments and innovation helmed by retail pioneers.

First, to H&M, which appointed chief operating officer Helena Helmersson as its new chief executive – marking the first time a woman has held the role. We took at a closer look at the fashion titan’s new boss, from her 23-year-strong career across the business and what her priorities will be as the most powerful woman in fashion retail.

We also headed down to Poole to talk with Lush’s longstanding chief executive Mark Constantine. Constantine spoke to us about everything from M&S to product innovation, as well as his appetite to launch a Lush department store as former Debenhams and House of Fraser outlets sit unoccupied. Read the full interview.

And as a palate cleanser for January (or incentive for the rest of the year, depending on your view) take a look at our list of nine retailers that defied Brexit and floundering consumer confidence to deliver stellar performances in 2019.

A different view

At Retail Week, we like to look at the issues and events happening across the sector – here is a selection of views that did just that in January.

As Mike Coupe unveiled plans to retire later this year, many commentators were quick to jump on the audacious but ultimately failed merger attempt with Asda that the Sainsbury’s boss helmed.

While the doomed merger will undoubtedly be his career epitaph for many commentators, Retail Week editor Luke Tugby argues that Coupe’s legacy is far bigger than one unsuccessful deal and he leaves a lasting legacy at Sainsbury’s for incoming boss Simon Roberts.

As the government scrambled to throw a lifeline to beleaguered airline Flybe to avoid the business collapsing into administration, executive editor George MacDonald mused on why the retail sector has not been offered anything like the same treatment, despite notable retailers folding under the pressure of structural challenges such as business rates.

And Iceland boss Richard Walker penned a column for us with some hard truths about sustainability, the lack of merit in greenwashing and why, in order for retailers to really make a difference, they need to ensure sustainability goes beyond a luxury that those with deep enough pockets can afford to participate in.

One last thing

If you’re looking for some further inspiration on sustainability take a look at four companies that are driving the sustainability agenda, from Ikea to Adidas.

We hope you’ve enjoyed the latest instalment of The Uptick newsletter. If there are stories, innovations, people or inspiration you want to us to report next month, please get in touch.

Grace Bowden, head of content