Christine Shaw’s Post

John Lewis is a prime example of a retail giant adapting to new market realities, but their recent interim results show the complexities of balancing innovation with operational challenges. With sales down 3% and operating profit taking a hit, it raises a key question for the entire retail sector: How can established brands stay competitive in an increasingly unpredictable landscape? Here’s where I believe the opportunities—and challenges—lie: 1. Shifting Consumer Behavior: As we see, demand for big-ticket items has softened, while categories like beauty and tech continue to thrive. The shift to more experiential retail and digital-first strategies is non-negotiable. Retailers like John Lewis need to double down on personalisation, offering experiences that can’t be replicated online or elsewhere. 2. Squeezed Disposable Income: Fashion and home goods are suffering as consumers tighten their belts. A deeper focus on value propositions, offering flexible payment options, and strengthening loyalty programs could mitigate this risk. 3. Reimagining Physical Space: The significant investments in stores like Oxford Street and partnerships with brands like Waterstones show a path forward. However, the retail footprint of the future needs to evolve even further—combining experiential spaces with seamless digital integration is crucial. I do like the Waterstones tie up though. 4. Partner Engagement & Technology: John Lewis’s strategy of investing in their Partners and technology to enhance service is a smart move, but are they moving quickly enough? Agility in implementing digital solutions across all touchpoints will determine long-term success. The rise of AI-powered customer service and data-driven decision-making could offer the edge they need. For legacy retailers like John Lewis, the challenge isn’t just keeping pace with the market—it’s about anticipating customer needs and delivering value through innovation, service, and emotional connection. The real question for the retail industry is: How do you stay relevant in a market that’s rapidly evolving? John Lewis offers lessons, but there’s much more to be done. What do you think are the most important strategies retailers should focus on in today’s climate?

🌟 Embrace Connection: Celebrating Get To Know Your Customers Day 🌟 As we celebrate Get To Know Your Customers Day on April 18th, it's a perfect opportunity for businesses to deepen their understanding of their clientele and strengthen relationships. In today's fast-paced world, where customer preferences evolve rapidly, taking the time to truly know and connect with your customers is paramount. This observance serves as a valuable reminder that behind every transaction is a person with unique needs, desires, and aspirations. At FBC Warehouse, we recognize the importance of cultivating meaningful connections with our customers. On this special day, we're dedicated to listening, learning, and engaging with our clientele to better serve their needs. By actively seeking feedback, understanding their challenges, and anticipating their preferences, we can tailor our products and services to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional experiences. As we embark on this journey of discovery, let's embrace the spirit of Get To Know Your Customers Day and commit to fostering genuine connections that transcend transactions. Together, we can build trust, loyalty, and lasting partnerships that drive mutual success. Join us in celebrating our customers and their invaluable contributions to our business journey. 🤝 Follow us for more content about business life in the UK. #warehouse #warehouseoperations #delivery #deliveryoperator #businesslife #uk #london #businesslife #sponsorlicense #skilledworker #ukvi #GetToKnowYourCustomersDay #CustomerExperience #BuildingConnections

A very interesting article for this holiday season written by John Gapper of Financial Times about Santa Claus and his “vast, accessible and efficient express door-to-door fulfilment service for all of his believers”. A very good analysis about how disruptions and additional costs in the supply chain are potentially being loaded on retailers, and ultimately on shoppers but also how saving time by paying a premium can be as much a commodity as other goods and services. #santaclaus #logistics #fulfillment #doortodoordelivery #macys #supplychain #premiumservice

This seems to be an increasingly common trend and leveraging talent in the boardroom can bring significant advantage as individuals bring deep institutional knowledge and an understanding of long-term vision and objectives. When done right this can achieve greater alignment of strategic initiatives and operational execution. It can also foster better collaboration between the board and executive. Expect we’ll see more of this.

So wake up retail. It’s not that we don’t want to use your services but we are tired of poor or no customer service, rising prices along with the quality of your overall product has gone down. How does that work. You should really look at the power house IN-N-Out. Talk about a winning team there.

Before joining the program, Autumn was working open to close at her two locations, managing the staff and trying to get sales off the ground. She was struggling with high food and labor costs. But after six months with the program, she was able to bring her costs down by $12,000 a week. Now she has three locations and has made massive changes in her business. Want to learn more? Follow us on YouTube: @andrewscott9329 #RestaurantSuccess #BusinessGrowth #Transformation

Meaningful data driven discussions in search of innovation and customer service excellence, I love that Baker Ing strives for this continuously.

ROR: Return on Relationship™, #RonR… simply put the value that is accrued by a person or brand due to nurturing a relationship. ROI is simple $’s and cents. ROR is the value (both perceived and real) that will accrue over time through connection, trust, loyalty, recommendations and sharing. AND is used to define and educate companies, brands, and people about the importance of creating authentic connection, interaction, and engagement. Go get it Jeanniey Walden and RITE AID… #NoLetUp!👊🏻 #RETURNONRELATIONSHIP #ROR

Attending an event without dogs or cats feels strange. However, if you're interested in learning how we've integrated our D2C strategy with our overall retail distribution, please attend the event :) PS: I would rather speak about dogs and cats!

From customer to team member — that’s Tramonte Miller’s Commerce story. At only 22, Tramonte finds great reward in educating others, especially his younger customers, about finance — from writing a check to filing taxes. He appreciates Commerce's inclusive culture and the liberty to express his personality freely. Working for Commerce is a unique experience and when you hear our team member stories, you can start to see why. Check out the video below and consider a career at Commerce!