All Q&A articles
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InterviewExit interview: outgoing Ikea UK&I boss Peter Jelkeby
As Ikea UK&I boss Peter Jelkeby prepares to step down from his post and take over the lead job at the furniture giant’s operation in Germany, he speaks to Retail Week about how shoppers have changed, the moves by competitors that he has envied and the learnings he’ll be taking forward into his new job.
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InterviewFacial recognition: Facewatch CEO on why retailers can’t just rely on the police and the government to protect workers
Facewatch was recommended to Retail Week by Frasers Group, and also works with B&M and Home Bargains.
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InterviewQ&A: Primark licensing director on staying culturally relevant
Primark has bagged collaborations with some of the biggest names in pop culture, from Netflix’s Stranger Things to Olivia Rodrigo and British institutions such as Greggs.
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InterviewSupply chain: DHL retail and ecommerce boss on leveraging AI, data and teamwork in time for peak
With that in mind, Retail Week speaks to DHL supply chain managing director of retail and ecommerce, Natalie Frow, about how retailers can prepare for peak and how the use of automation and AI can boost fulfilment.
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InterviewQ&A: Puma UK and Ireland MD on breaking boundaries with the brand’s new Oxford Street flagship
Puma UK and Ireland managing director Lucynda Davies is gearing up for the launch of the brand’s first ever European flagship this week on London’s iconic Oxford Street.
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InterviewQ&A: Trinny London MD on omnichannel, personalisation and Christmas
While Trinny London is not even a decade old, the beauty retailer has gone from being makeup-focused and digital first, to now focusing on omnichannel with its flagship London store and personalised services.
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InterviewChatbots: Lush global customer care manager on using AI to manage Black Friday discourse
Speaking in May at the Zendesk showcase in London, Naomi Rankin, global customer care manager at Lush spoke with Retail Week about how it’s bringing its ethos to the rollout of AI tools on its platform through its partnership with the customer support platform.
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InterviewQ&A: Halfords CEO Henry Birch on the Budget, AI and Black Friday
Halfords has posted growth in both profits and sales, driven by a strong performance from its cycling business. Chief executive Henry Birch spoke to Retail Week about his reaction to yesterday’s Budget, how the retailer is implementing AI and what the consumer sentiment is like ahead of Black Friday
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InterviewStanley 1913’s general manager on turning a viral phenomenon into long-term value
Retail Week spoke to Stanley 1913 EMEA general manager Ben James about what’s changed for the brand, how to keep the hype going and how you make the most of a viral phenomenon without alienating your core customers.
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InterviewFit Collective: return rates are killing fashion retailers – and AI can fix it
Fit Collective was recommended to Retail Week by Rixo, and also works with Boden, Ro&Zo and L’Estrange
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InterviewRetail media: SMG MD on unlocking new opportunities for brands, retailers and customers
SMG group managing director John Mathieson speaks to Retail Week about the opportunities retail media unlocks, the sectors where it works best, and how technology and AI can further develop benefits in the future.
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InterviewDisney x Selfridges: behind the partnership bringing a theme park experience to retail
Disney Consumer Products vice president of marketing and communications Shauna McCarthy speaks to Retail Week about its “once-in-a-lifetime” partnership with Selfridges over the festive season.
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InterviewLive shopping: Bambuser CEO on why the future of ecommerce looks like Netflix
Bambuser’s chief executive speaks to Retail Week about why the future of ecommerce looks more like Netflix than a static catalogue – and why Gen Z’s loneliness might be driving the shift.
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InterviewQ&A: Laura Ashley VP on prints, partnerships and physical retail
It’s been just over a month since Laura Ashley started a new chapter with the launch of its first standalone store since its collapse into administration in 2020.
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Interview‘AI is not a flashy tool’: Rithum managing director on stripping out complexity
Rithum works with retailers such as Marks & Spencer, Zalando, Adidas, and Walmart.
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InterviewQ&A: Boots head of wellness on the rapidly expanding category and tapping into viral trends
Wellness is a topic many consumers have been exploring since the pandemic, whether they are searching for better sleep, healthier immune systems, or getting more vitamin D. As we hurtle towards the colder months, this is expected to ramp up.
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InterviewRetail crime: Auror’s global head of risk on helping police disrupt shoplifting gangs
Auror works with the likes of Holland & Barrett, Boots and BP on crime prevention in stores.
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Interview‘It’s about more than just price’: Lidl boss Ryan McDonnell on being the fastest-growing grocer
Discount giant Lidl has been the fastest-growing bricks-and-mortar grocer in the UK for more than two years. CEO Ryan McDonnell discusses where it’s winning new customers from, what’s driving its growth and looks ahead to Christmas
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InterviewQ&A: Ramsdens boss on evolving from pawnbroker to high street jewellery staple
Ramsdens has been a presence on the UK high street since 1987, but many wouldn’t associate it with retail – rather pawnbroking and buying foreign currency
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InterviewQ&A: Castlery co-founder Declan Ee on bringing the global brand to the UK
Retail Week spoke to global furniture retailer Castlery’s co-founder Declan Ee about his ethos, why there’s plenty to play for in the UK, and why his brand isn’t just another Made.com