All Opinion articles – Page 324
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OpinionPretty staff won’t deter shoppers, but bad service certainly will
I have walked out of stores several times because of bad service, but I have certainly never turned on my heels when faced with an attractive shop assistant.
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OpinionCommunication before implementation
One well-respected retailer has argued that complex systems are making life more difficult for his industry. But the problem that most businesses with underperforming systems actually face is the lack of communication between their operational and technical staff.
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OpinionWhy don’t malls work for retail’s emerging stars?
Despite common perception, there are some very successful up-and-coming retailers. The problem for landlords is that the big malls don’t work for them.
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OpinionPaperchase shows the way
In spite of the apparent emergence of Germany and France from recession (that’s what the figures indicate), retailers in those countries are under the cosh just as much as over here and store openings are as thin on the ground.
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OpinionWill Aldi retreat under its stone?
Aldi UK and Ireland managing director Paul Foley shocked the grocery world by stepping down this week. Will his departure mean Aldi returns to its secretive roots?
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OpinionTories should not take VAT hike lightly
With the public finances in such a chaotic state it’s no wonder the Tories are reportedly considering increasing VAT to 20% if they come to power.
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OpinionRetail surgery: Using EPoS data to gain customer insight
We don’t have a loyalty scheme, but want to use our EPoS data to get some insight into our customers’ spending habits. What should we be looking at?
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OpinionSwine flu crisis planning is in hand
The BRC’s been planning for a possible pandemic as long as London’s been preparing to host the 2012 Olympics.
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OpinionHome comforts
There are new signs of bounce in the hard-pressed homewares and furniture market, on which the springs went more than a year ago.
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OpinionDon’t become a closed shop
Those without a retail background still have plenty of nous to bring to the sector, says Neil Gillis.
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OpinionRetail surgery: Asking landlords for a rent holiday
I am considering approaching my landlord for help because I might not make my rent payment at the next quarter date. What are my options?
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OpinionWhat is Harrods’ secret?
Harrods has delivered a strong set of results in a difficult climate. What is its secret?
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OpinionThe right thing for M&S would be the wrong thing for high streets
The presence of an unmodernised Marks & Spencer store is a tell-tale sign of a high street which has seen better days.
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Opinion
Why Kensington High Street is not dead
Reports of the death of Kensington High Street are much exaggerated. It’s not even dying: just changing.
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OpinionEmbracing digital media could give Asda an edge
Asda will next week steam ahead of the rest of the big four grocers in the social networking arena. And the bold move may well help it give the grocer an edge.
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OpinionWhy retail leaders are hot property
By the time you read this issue, Simon Fox might have been announced as chief executive of ITV. Then again, the HMV chief executive might have decided to stay put. Fox’s phone has been going straight to voicemail this week as one of retail’s quiet men found himself thrust into ...
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OpinionSector suffering a systems failure
Retail systems are now so complex they can make the basics impossible, says Simon Burke
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OpinionRetail surgery: Effective recruitment
I typically find that our store managers simply replace employees using the same contract and hours of work. How can I guide them to recruit more effectively?
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OpinionRetail surgery: Breaching exclusivity or terminating a supplier contract
A supplier appears to be unstable but we are tied to an exclusive contract for a product. What are the implications if we breach exclusivity or just terminate?
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OpinionIn celebration of stores’ worker bees
Ubi mel ibi apes is a classical adage for our age. Literally meaning “where there is honey there are bees”, it is a metaphor for the effort that lies behind success and the sweet reward for those who support it.