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Welcome to Retail101online, where timeless wisdom meets modern retail! Join our host, a seasoned veteran with four decades of experience spanning 20 countries and multiple retailers. In a world dominated by automation and technology, essential retail knowledge is often overlooked. Our mission is to revive these forgotten fundamentals and empower both aspiring retailers and curious consumers. From customer service to inventory management, we delve deep into the core principles that form the backbone of successful retail operations. Tune in for insightful discussions, practical tips, and captivating stories from the frontlines of global retail. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a novice enthusiast, Retail101online is your ultimate guide to mastering the art of retail. #RetailBasics #RetailKnowledge #GlobalRetail #RetailOperations #CustomerService #InventoryManagement #RetailInsights #RetailPodcast
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Send us a text 🎄 Christmas in Retail: Real, Tough, and Joyous! 🎄 Ever wondered what Christmas is really like behind the counters, in the stockrooms, and on the shop floor? This special RETAIL101 episode takes you deep into the heart of the holiday season in retail. From chaotic busy days to heartwarming moments with customers, we explore both the challenges and the joys of working through the most festive—and stressful—time of the year. We’ll also look back at the history of Christmas in reta...
Send us a text Running a store bakery without being a baker? You can—if you run the operation. In this episode, Mark Lack breaks down the B.R.E.A.D. framework—Basics & Hygiene, Recipe & Range Quality, Engagement & Communication, Availability & Inventory, Development—so you can spot what matters, lower waste, lift availability, and keep customers coming back for the fresh stuff. You’ll learn how to set smart daypart pars (open, mid-morning, lunch, late afternoon), when an...
Send us a text Steven Bartlett’s bestselling book and podcast The Diary of a CEO have captured the world’s attention—but what can retail professionals actually learn from it? In this extended deep-dive episode of Retail101online, recorded just ahead of the Christmas retail rush, we unpack not just the book—but the man, the mindset, and the methods behind one of the most influential business platforms in the world. Join us as we explore: The real story of Steven Bartlett’s rise from dropout to...
Send us a text What does it really mean when we say “Culture eats strategy for breakfast”? In this episode of Retail101online, we go beyond the buzzword and explore whether culture truly trumps strategy—or if it’s just a leadership cliché. We’ll unpack: The origin and meaning of the phraseReal-world retail examples of culture and strategy collidingWhy culture alone isn’t enoughHow to align your strategy with your store culture5 practical tools for retail leaders and managersWhether you’re in...
Send us a text “Let’s circle back and align on a value-led pivot before we move the needle…” If that sentence made you laugh (or cry), this episode is for you. In this week’s Retail101online, we dive headfirst into the wonderful, wobbly world of business jargon. From procurement to performance reviews, LinkedIn humblebrags to boardroom buzzwords — we’re calling out the clichés that should’ve been retired with dial-up internet. We cover phrases like: 🦆 “Getting our ducks in a row” ...
Send us a text Title: Big vs. Best: Who Really Wins in Grocery Retail? In this deep-dive episode of Retail101Online, we explore the difference between being the biggest and being the best in global grocery retail. While giants like Walmart dominate by size, we spotlight the five retailers consistently praised for operational brilliance, customer experience, and long-term strategy. 🔍 Featuring: Mercadona: The Spanish powerhouse redefining supplier relationships and private label qualityTrader ...
Send us a text Most retail managers are promoted because they were great at their jobs—not because they were trained to lead. That’s the hard truth behind Leadership Mindset 2.0 by R. Michael Anderson, and it’s exactly why this episode matters. In this episode of Retail101online, we explore how to rewire your mindset to thrive as a retail leader. You’ll discover why mindset matters more than skillset, how Anderson’s 4-phase leadership evolution works in real store life, and why the ARC model ...
Send us a text Episode 28: Who Moved My Cheese? What Retail Managers Must Learn from Change In this episode of Retail101online, Mark Lack explores the timeless business parable Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson and applies its lessons to the fast-paced world of retail. Learn how to spot change, adapt quickly, guide your team through resistance, and avoid the trap of standing still while the industry evolves around you. With practical insights and a dose of reflection, this episode helps...
Send us a text Managing the Butchery (When You're Not a Butcher) Episode 27 of Retail101online takes store managers deep into the world of butchery — without needing to pick up a knife. Host Mark Lack explores how to manage this complex, high-margin department with confidence, even if you're not trained in meat cutting. Learn to challenge shrink, monitor hygiene, measure yield, monitor daily plans, and drive value-add performance. Plus, get 5 practical actions in the "Help Is On The Way...
Send us a text Episode 26: 8 Lies About Life and Success (And The Truths That Will Set You Free) In this deeply personal episode, Mark Lack unpacks 8 common myths about life and success that hold people back in business and beyond. Inspired by a visual from Victoria Repa, this conversation blends reflection, real-world retail insights, and hard-earned truths to reset your mindset and sharpen your growth. From redefining wealth and embracing imperfection to understanding the power of sel...
Send us a text Episode 25: Resurrecting Retail – The New World of Business After the Pandemic In this milestone episode, host Mark Lack explores the future of retail through the lens of Doug Stephens’ acclaimed book Resurrecting Retail. Learn how the pandemic reshaped consumer expectations, accelerated innovation, and forced an industry-wide reckoning with purpose, technology, and the role of physical stores. We explore key themes from the book, including retail-as-media, the rise of experien...
Send us a text Mastering Retail the Japanese Way: Tanpin Kanri & the Art of Precision In this insightful episode of Retail101online, we explore Tanpin Kanri, a revolutionary Japanese retail management philosophy that’s changing how stores around the world operate. Originating from Seven-Eleven Japan, Tanpin Kanri—meaning “item-by-item management”—shifts the focus from broad product categories to detailed, real-time analysis of individual items. This precision-based, customer-driven approa...
Send us a text In Episode 23 of Retail101online, we explore the hidden depths of the world-famous management simulation game Storewars. Discover how this game mirrors the realities of retail leadership — from supply chain decisions to strategic pricing, sustainability, and team dynamics. Whether you’ve played the simulation or not, this episode offers philosophical insights and practical tips for managers at every level. Learn how to apply these game-based lessons to real-li...
Send us a text Episode 22: Think Smart – Mastering Critical Thinking in Retail How do you teach frontline retail staff to think like leaders? In this milestone 22nd episode of Retail101online, we dive deep into the power of critical thinking using Bloom’s Taxonomy—a simple but powerful framework to level up how you learn, think, and act on the job. Whether you're a store manager, team leader, or rising star, this episode breaks down six key thinking skills every successful retailer needs—from...
Send us a text Episode 21 – Leading the Ubuntu Way: The African Philosophy That Builds Better Retail Teams In this powerful 21st episode of Retail101online, we explore a management philosophy that’s as human as it is effective—Ubuntu. Rooted in Southern African tradition and best summarized as "I am because we are," Ubuntu offers retail managers a new way to lead with compassion, connection, and community. Join us as we unpack what Ubuntu really means, how it differs from Western leadership m...
Send us a text Rise Above the Ordinary: Uplifting Service Lessons for Retail Success Welcome to a milestone episode of RETAIL101online! In Episode 20, we explore one of the most powerful tools for transforming your retail career — Uplifting Service by bestselling author Ron Kaufman. Whether you're working in fashion, food, electronics, or customer support, this episode gives you real-world strategies to stand out, get promoted, and feel proud of your work. We break down the structure of the b...
Send us a text Episode 19 – your money, your future: personal finance basics for retail workers In this powerful and practical episode of retail101online, we explore how retail workers—especially those working abroad in the middle east—can start building a stronger financial future with simple, easy-to-understand personal finance tips. Many frontline employees have never had the chance to learn money management skills. This episode changes that. We break it down into five clear segments...
Send us a text In this podcast, we dive into Daniel Kahneman's "Thinking, Fast and Slow" to uncover how you can solve your everyday thinking problems. By understanding the two systems of thought—fast, intuitive reactions and slow, deliberate analysis—you'll learn how to make better decisions, avoid common cognitive biases, and enhance your problem-solving skills. Whether you are a retail leader looking to improve team performance or someone wanting to sharpen your mental clarity, these insigh...
Send us a text In this episode, the team from DTEK.AI and Sanad Yaghi of What’s in Store, sits down with Mark Lack, CEO of Circle K Arabia, to explore the rapid expansion of Circle K in Saudi Arabia and the broader GCC region. Mark shares insights from his 40-year career in retail, spanning multiple formats and countries, and discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of growing a convenience store empire in a post-pandemic world. From Circle K’s innovative franchise model to the role ...
Send us a text In this episode, we explore the exciting future of loyalty cards and how they are evolving to meet the demands of modern consumers. As technology advances, traditional plastic cards are giving way to digital wallets and mobile apps, enhancing convenience and personalization. We'll delve into innovative trends such as blockchain technology, which promises secure and transparent transactions, enabling cross-brand loyalty initiatives. Sustainability is also a key focus, with brand...
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