All articles by Charlotte Hardie
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Opinion‘My Inditex ordeal reflects a problem – modern retail burns with friction’
In a world of technology, data, rapid delivery and single views of stock, Charlotte Hardie fears retailers are in danger of forgetting about the no-brainer of customer service
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Opinion‘Despite AI solutions revolutionising efficiency, retail will always be about people’
As the Fashion Retail Academy celebrates its 20th anniverary, Charlotte Hardie considers what the next 20 years could bring, particularly the impact of AI on the industry and its people
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Opinion‘Retailers must continue to make noise about unsustainable cost burdens’
Government-imposed financial pressures are inflicting pain on the heart of the retail industry – its people, believes Charlotte Hardie
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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‘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‘In wake of the M&S attack, let’s keep talking about cyber risk, resilience and solutions’
Marks & Spencer boss Stuart Machin revealed this week how much he valued the support and advice of other bosses who had also been targeted by cyber criminals. Such attacks are now all too common now, so let’s ensure the issue remains high on retail’s agenda, says Retail Week editor-in-chief Charlotte Hardie
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Opinion‘No growth strategy, tech investment or innovation can compensate for poor human interaction’
As the biggest private sector employer in the UK, retailers should be applauded for their stellar efforts in making retail a great place to work and build your career, says Retail Week editor-in-chief Charlotte Hardie.
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Opinion‘Backpedaling on diversity and inclusion would be a huge mistake’
As International Women’s Day is marked this week, commitment to diversity and inclusion is on the wane among some big-name businesses. But less diverse companies will ultimately be less successful, argues Retail Week editor-in-chief Charlotte Hardie
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Opinion‘When it comes to Gen Z, businesses need to work with, not against, the zeitgeist’
The constant drip-feeding of exasperation-loaded Gen Z column inches detract businesses from keeping pace, argues Retail Week editor-in-chief Charlotte Hardie
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Opinion‘As they walk a tightrope, retailers wonder how Reeves’ vision for growth applies to them’
Amid a round of retail job cuts from big industry names, the chancellor needs to offer the industry a big olive branch. Action on business rates would be a good place to start, says Retail Week editor-in-chief Charlotte Hardie
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Opinion‘At Christmas most people shop with their hearts and if they can spend, they will’
Dire predictions about retail’s Christmas performance are almost as traditional as holly and mistletoe, but rarely come true, says Charlotte Hardie
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Opinion‘Perhaps there’s something retailers should admire in Jaguar’s rebrand’
Ensuring continued brand relevance relies on the drive and vision of people willing to take risks. You only need to look at the once much-loved retail brands that haven’t survived to be reminded of that, argues Charlotte Hardie
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Opinion‘Entire retail industry is scratching its head to find a way to make the numbers work post-Budget’
Unexpected extra costs imposed in the recent Budget have left retailers reeling in shock. They will need all their legendary resilience to leap the hurdles placed in their way by the government, warns Charlotte Hardie
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Opinion‘Last Sunday my daughter and I watched a shoplifter headbutt a store worker outside Sainsbury’s’
Retailers need to seek fresh ways to ensure a genuine understanding of the unacceptable pressure that store colleagues face, says Charlotte Hardie
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Opinion‘We need to consider why Shein is a disruptor that delivers more than £1bn in annual UK sales’
Online fashion powerhouse Shein’s success raises uncomfortable questions about consumption, believes Charlotte Hardie
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Opinion‘Asos hasn’t captured the hearts and wallets of Gen Z and Gen Alpha’
The news this week of more upheaval at Asos, with senior leadership departures following a 12-month revenue decline, is a stark reminder of how challenging it is to remain relevant in today’s ever-changing retail world.
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Opinion‘Rain may mean soggy footfall, but retailers can’t forget the big climate picture’
Day to day, rain has probably been front of mind for retailers as dismal July weather resulted in soggy footfall in many places.
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AnalysisRetail Week turns 35: Special anniversary magazine edition
First established in 1988, Retail Week brings together retail leaders, experts and past editors to reflect on the past 35 years and to explore what the future now holds for the industry. Access your free copy of the magazine here
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AnalysisRetail Week Award for Lifetime Achievement: Jacqueline Gold
This year we have made a very special, one-off award to commemorate and celebrate the life of Jacqueline Gold.