High levels of returns can impact the overall performance of retailers. And there are many reasons why returns continue to present such a complex challenge for the entire industry. But without understanding these challenges, it'll be impossible to find a solution. In this episode, explore the returns conundrum facing retail. Plus, pick up an action plan to help you monitor, control and manage the challenge. The post 149: The Retail Returns Conundrum appeared first on OB&Co.
When the discovery phase of the shopping trip is driven through a search bar or menu, it's not very inspiring for the customer who doesn't already know exactly what they're looking for. So, effective discovery represents a massive opportunity for online retailers. In this episode, Oliver Banks continues the conversation to help you transform the discovery phase of your shopping trip. The post 148: Transforming Discovery in Retail (part 2) appeared first on OB&Co.
With so much competition in retail, it has become harder to stand out in the sea of sameness. But the discovery phase remains a major opportunity to transform how you convert your browsers into buyers. In the first of this two-parter, Oliver Banks explores the questions to ask yourself that will show you the way to transform discovery in retail. The post 147: Transforming Discovery In Retail (part 1) appeared first on OB&Co.
Department stores retailers have been polarised - with some seeing huge successes whilst others have struggled as digital channels have grown. So, is there still a place in the retail market for the "department store"? In this episode, special guest Cate Trotter of Insider Trends joins to explore the future of department stores. The post 146: The Future Of Department Stores appeared first on OB&Co.
Successful transformations require clarity and progress. However, contradictions occur that can prevent progress as there is no clear right answer. In turn, the transformation can stall. In this podcast episode, Oliver Banks explores retail's big contradictions and how you can overcome these tough problems The post 145: Overcoming Retail’s Big Contradictions appeared first on OB&Co.
The pandemic has disrupted all areas of life, and retail is of course no exception. But as the world's super-large retailers continue to expand their businesses, there are questions that we must all ask ourselves. These will not only help us survive but present a real opportunity to thrive. In this episode, retail futurist Doug Stephens joins Oliver Banks to explore retail in a post-pandemic world. The post 144: Resurrecting Retail After The Pandemic appeared first on OB&Co.
The pandemic caused turbulence for many physical stores. However, as life slowly returns, there are some big opportunities for stores to bounce back. Here to report from his store tours, retail consultant, Ian Scott, joins Oliver Banks. So listen now to hear examples of great physical store retailing, including examples from Selfridges, Lush, Primark, Homebase and many more. The post 143: The Return Of Stores appeared first on OB&Co.
We’ve seen huge shifts in the retail marketplace and as a result, there are now aspects that must fit in the modern retail operating model. This episode was recorded at the virtual event, Retail Transformation Live, so join Oliver Banks to explore further. You’ll learn about 8 elements to build into your retail operating model. […] The post 142: The Modern Retail Operating Model appeared first on OB&Co.
One of the key challenges with simplification is the deployment of it. Without effective change management processes, a so-called "easy" change can quickly become problematic. But there are considerations that you can take to put your change on the path to success. Join Oliver Banks and Simon Hedaux from Rethink Productivity and the close of the "Simplification Stories" mini series. The post 141: Simplification Isn’t Rocket Science appeared first on OB&Co.
Retail Transformation Live is back. This is the virtual event to help give you the insight, the ideas and the inspiration to successfully transform retail. With expert speakers from around the world, you’ll enjoy a variety of sessions designed to help you get future fit. Join the host, Oliver Banks, and discover what to look […] The post 140: Retail Transformation Live 3 Preview appeared first on OB&Co.
Many transformation projects now include significant elements of technology. This prompts critical strategic questions, such as whether to "buy or build" the solution. In this episode, Oliver Banks and Simon Hedaux catch up with Lisa Widdison, Head of Operating Model, Change & Continuous Improvement at Holland & Barrett. Together, they explore the thinking and approach behind recent major simplification and change projects. The post 140: Simplification Stories At Holland & Barrett appeared first on OB&Co.
The benefit of hindsight allows us to see the complicated processes and operating models. But these decisions are like this for a reason. Productivity expert, Simon Hedaux, joins transformation expert, Oliver Banks, and together they explore why it's not always easy to keep it simple. Plus what you should consider for current uncertainty in the market. The post 139: Why We Don’t ‘Keep It Simple’ appeared first on OB&Co.
Simplification projects should boost improvement - but it doesn't mean that they are necessarily simple themselves. They can be large and with many facets and workstreams. In this episode, I'm joined by Steve Leach, Sales Director at convenience grocery brand, Nisa Retail, to help explore how he approached some of their simplification. This is the secord of the mini-series, "Simplification Stories", in partnership with Simon Hedaux from Rethink Productivity. The post 138: Simplification Stories At Nisa appeared first on OB&Co.
Simplification is still critical for continuously improving retail operating models. Lean Six Sigma has often been seen as a methodology to boost efficiency and cut costs. But in our fast-paced and agile world, is Lean Six Sigma still relevant? Join Oliver Banks and Simon Hedaux, from Rethink Productivity for the first of a collaborative mini-series called Simplification Stories. The post 137: Is Lean Six Sigma Still Relevant? appeared first on OB&Co.
The "circular economy" is a key topic when it comes to delivering true sustainability. But the term risks being misunderstood if used as a buzzword, although it offers huge opportunities. To help us understand the circular economy and what it means for retail is Karen Bendell - a creative former fashion designer come retailer CEO and strategist. The post 136: Understanding The Circular Economy appeared first on OB&Co.
We've seen huge changes driven by the pandemic but consumer behaviour and the retail market continues to change. To respond, retailers must change and transform. But with so much going on, it's easy to oversee important elements. So, in this episode, Oliver Banks highlights 3 driving factors to help you to make your transformation a success The post 135: 3 Driving Factors To Transform appeared first on OB&Co.
The pandemic caused a Great Acceleration across the retail industry, in particular, giving a peak into what the future holds. And in turn, highlighting how the retail industry must develop and transform to build resilience. Oliver Banks chats to Carl Boutet, author of The Great Acceleration, about the changing retail market, sustainability and how to […] The post 134: The Race To Retail Resilience appeared first on OB&Co.
Many retail transformations are enabled through technology. And the Covid-19 pandemic has forced many retailers to make significant decisions and drive progress based on various technologies. So, in this episode, Oliver Banks catches up with retail technology expert, Miya Knights, to explore key trends and the retail technologies that are hot and exciting right now. The post 133: What’s Happening In Retail Technology appeared first on OB&Co.
Overcoming the confusion of transformation is one of the factors that separates the transformation leaders from the transformation laggards. So join Oliver Banks and explore the aspects that contribute to the confusion around your retail transformation - and discover exactly what you can do to intentionally overcome that confusion. The post 132: Overcoming The Confusion Of Transformation appeared first on OB&Co.
Transformation is critically important for retailers - but it can be dangerous too, especially if lacking the right transformational leadership or direction. In fact, mistakes in leading transformation could be catastrophic for the whole organisation. So, explore the 4 traits of transformational and change leadership to help you and your team to work towards a successful change. The post 131: 4 Traits For Great Transformation Leadership appeared first on OB&Co.