TBT: Retail Industry Awards: Incredibly proud of the team and how we have built something that celebrates the communities that surround our stores. (https://lnkd.in/g78NKqd) #retailindustry #awards2019 #sparuk

Sad news. It was a real trailblazer in its time - clean stores, great ads, great product.

Unfortunately they lost their way with the brand (was it fashion? was it basics?) and who its audience was (students? urbanites? everyone?) and the rest is crumbling.

#retail #mindthegap #marketing #fashion #branding #gapinc

Bold move in these times of change. From my experiences at VirginMedia, it takes a gigantic effort to mobilise shoppers into these stores - you almost need a dedicated local curator of events which cant be replicated at home.

One key thing will be handling customer complaints - as many visitors to these spaces will be subscribers who want their problems solved face to face. Don't just have a space where they can contact the call centre- as they could do this at home - empower the store staff to triage and solve problems.

#retail #sky #telecoms #customerservice

Thought for the day/month/year: "stop pretending that any of our governments have all the answers, stop thinking that things will surely be fine after spring or in a year, and ask what we want from our lives and how much risk is acceptable for us and the people close to us."

The new reality is to take control, not wait for someone else to fix it for you.

#mentalhealth #inspiration #change #life

A stalwart of the high street with 2 great brands that are possibly starting to tire - heres 5 things I would do in her place:

1. Commit to on-line. Even though Waitrose.com has been growing, it felt like they missed months in realising that the Ocado relationship was over. They need to continue to build the customer base.

2. Create a single John Lewis loyalty scheme. Bring all of the customers together under one banner and use the data to cross sell as much as possible.

3. Redefine what role a department store has on the high street. Hopefully they can become a beacon of hope in a turbulent city / shopping centre. Evolve beauty (like Next have done)? Double down on Baby? What is happening with clothing - stick or twist? The stores need to bing the new proposition together in an exciting, immersive way

4. How do you innovate around the core offer? insurance? design? installation? returns? leasing? Particularly when other DTC brands are focussed solely on those areas.

5. How to bring the partners with you - whatever happens everyone needs to be on the journey. Admittedly the writing is on the wall for many after bonus' were paused. They've got to believe. #brand #strategy #retail

Love this idea. Using store fronts to tell local stories. Not just for vacant shops - how about open ones. Now more than ever - how do you engage with shoppers walking past right now?What story would you tell?

#marketing #retail #merchandising #community